Egypt’s president says ready to join fight against militants

CAIRO –  With less than two weeks before elections, Egypt’s president says he’s prepared to personally join security forces battling Islamic militants in the Sinai Peninsula.

The outcome of the March 26-28 election is a foregone conclusion, with general-turned-president Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi running virtually unopposed. His only challenger is a little-known politician who supports him.

With a landslide win beyond doubt, el-Sissi and his supporters are urging voters to come out and cast their ballots since a high turnout will accord the vote legitimacy.

In televised comments Thursday, el-Sissi vowed to prosecute the fight against Islamic State-led militants until the end. “We either live together, or we die together,” he said, referring to himself and security forces.

“We are fighting modern day heretics … we are fighting for the sake of God.”