It is the 17th time that it has been extended LONDON: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi issued a decision on Thursday to extend a nationwide state of emergency for another three months as of 1 a.m. on Saturday. The decision said that “the armed forces and the police would take the necessary measures to confront the dangers of terrorism and its financing, maintain security, protect public and private property, and save the lives of citizens.” The decision, which was approved by the House of Representatives, was published in the country’s official gazette. After being informed of El-Sisi’s decision, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly issued a decision to impose a curfew in a number of areas in North Sinai from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., except for the city of Al-Arish and the International Coastal Road, where the curfew was set from 1 a.m. until 5 a.m. until further notice. The state of emergency has been in place since April 2017 following two deadly attacks on churches in Tanta and Alexandria that killed 45 and injured over 100 others. It is the 17th time that it has been extended.