The Armed Forces are always vigilant and on a state of combat alert to secure the ground and coastal borders of homeland and firmly stand against any attempt to tamper with Egypt's security, the defense minister said on Sunday.

Securing Egypt's borders and protecting its national security are a sacred mission, Sedki Sobhi said during a meeting with the border guards officers and commanders.
He lauded as heroic the role played by the border guards to secure the country's borders, saying "day after day they prove they are up to the responsibility placed on their shoulders".
He also paid tribute to the army men who sacrificed their lives while facing terrorism and extremism.
He said the General Command of the Armed Forces is keen on supplying border guards with the latest weapons and combat techniques to be fully ready to face smuggling or infiltration attempt.
Chief of Staff Mahmoud Hegazi and senior army officials attended the meeting.