Suez Canal, energy lifeline, seen vulnerable to jihadist attack

Egypt's military has stepped up security along the Suez Canal, a vital oil shipping artery that's one of the world's most strategically important waterways, to protect it from attack amid a swelling jihadist insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula.

There were at least two jihadist operations in 2013 on the canal -- 120 miles long and 900 yards wide, most of which is vulnerable to attack.

No serious attacks have been reported since then but a study by the Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy warns the military-led government "appears increasingly incapable" of curbing such strikes and that "ships in the canal risk future attacks."

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