Tension in the Sinai has delayed the last lift of our peacekeepers this year.

The peacekeepers were scheduled to fly out on Wednesday.

But they were told it was too risky to travel there now.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) director peacekeeping Commander Humphrey Tawake said the situation in Sinai was still very tense. He said the 29 soldiers were told to wait at home for further instructions.

He said the RFMF was informed by the Multi-national Force and Observers HQ on Wednesday that the “flights were cancelled until further notice due to the situation in Sinai.”

This comes amidst an increasing presence in the Sinai by so-called Islamic State militants fighting Egyptian forces.

Meanwhile, the 338 soldiers in Sinai have been directed to stay put at their camp at El Gorah.

Only essential duties under heavy security are being carried out.

Recently, one Egyptian civilian died when stray shells landed in the Fijian camp.

Commander Tawake said peacekeeping duties had changed a lot since its inception but Fijian peacekeepers had coped with the changes.

He said families for the Fijian peacekeepers should not be alarmed because they were safe.

Edited by Nemani Delaibatiki

Feedback:  maikab@fijisun.com.fj