06/06/2019
06/06/2019
CAIRO (AP) - Egypt says security
forces killed 14 militants while pursuing attackers behind an assault on
a police checkpoint in northern Sinai that authorities said left eight
policemen dead.
The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for Wednesday's attack near the city of el-Arish.
Egyptian security officials initially said as many as 10 policemen died
in the attack but the discrepancy in the accounts could not be
reconciled. The area is off limits to reporters.
The Interior Ministry says that while pursuing the attackers, security
forces located a group of insurgents hiding inside a deserted house in
the city. A shootout ensued, killing 14 militants who had automatic
rifles, bombs and explosive belts in the possession.
Egypt has battled Islamic militants for years in northern Sinai, where the IS affiliate is based.