ZCZC
EGYPT-SINAI-UNREST
Egypt security forces kill 14 militants in Sinai
CAIRO, Dec 23, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Egyptian security forces have killed 14
Islamist militants in an exchange of fire in the country’s turbulent northern
Sinai region, the interior ministry said Sunday.
The militants were under surveillance ahead of security forces raiding
their hideout in the town of El-Arish, the ministry said in a statement.
An exchange of fire lasting several hours killed eight militants, the
ministry said without detailing when the raid took place. The other six
attempted to flee but were killed in a police chase.
The militants were suspected of planning attacks on “important and vital
facilities”, armed forces and police personnel, the interior ministry said.
Egypt has for years been battling an insurgency in North Sinai, which
upsurged following the 2013 military ouster of Islamist president Mohamed
Morsi.
Hundreds of police and soldiers have since been killed in militant attacks.
Security forces have since February been conducting a major operation
focused on the Sinai Peninsula, aimed at wiping out a local affiliate of the
Islamic State group which is spearheading the insurgency.
BSS/AFP/ARS/1857 hrs