Mohamed Kamal and the Rise of Armed Cells Highlighted in Ras El Afaa

 

 

The series Ras El Afaa revisits a controversial chapter in the recent history of the Muslim Brotherhood through the character of Mohamed Kamal, whose name became linked to the rise of armed cell activity within the terrorist group after it lost power in Egypt in 2013. The drama portrays Kamal as one of the main figures who pushed for escalation and the formation of secret groups and armed cells operating outside the traditional organizational structure.

 

According to security reports and investigations, Kamal played a central role when he headed the “High Administrative Committee,” overseeing the creation of the so-called “Special Committees,” small cells tasked with carrying out operations targeting state institutions as part of what was described as a strategy of attrition attacks.

 

Kamal’s name was linked to several major terrorism cases, including the assassination of former Prosecutor General Hisham Barakat, as well as plots targeting Colonel Wael Tahoun and former Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, in addition to attacks on police personnel.

 

Mohamed Kamal was killed on October 3, 2016, during a security raid on his hideout in Cairo’s Basateen district after an exchange of gunfire with security forces. Authorities said the raid resulted in the seizure of weapons and documents related to the management of the “Special Committees,” dealing a significant blow to the network behind those cells.

 

 

 

Ras El Afaa takes its inspiration from true events, most notably the security campaign known as “Head of the Snake,” the operation that resulted in the capture of Mahmoud Ezzat, widely believed to be the secretive figure who oversaw many of the Muslim Brotherhood’s activities behind the scenes. The series draws on the efforts of Egyptian National Security forces to track Ezzat in the years following the June 30 Revolution, a period marked by heightened tension and conflict involving the organization.

 

 

 

The drama focuses on the work of National Security officers as they carry out intricate missions to pursue terrorist cells linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. These groups are depicted as organizing attacks such as bombings and assassinations while operating through hidden communication channels and tightly guarded networks used for planning and recruitment.

 

 

 

Throughout the series, viewers see how security forces gradually penetrate these covert structures, gathering intelligence and dismantling the cells before their plans can be carried out. The story also reflects real-life incidents, including the assassination of former Egyptian Public Prosecutor Hisham Barakat, and portrays the investigations and security operations that eventually led to the arrest of those involved in the attack.

 

 

 

Ras El Afaa features a star-studded cast including Amir Karara, Ahmed Ghozzi, Sherif Mounir, Caroline Azmy, Magda Zaki, Eslam Gamal, Jala Hisham, and Mahmoud El Bezzawy among others. The series is written by Hani Sarhan and directed by Mohamed Bakir.