Egyptian army spokesman Colonel Tamer Rifai announced on Wednesday the arrest of 28 “Takfiri” extremists in the city of Arish, nestled North of Sinai, like reporte by aawsat.com.
The arrests were reportedly made during a series of security raids targeting ISIS-held land pockets spread in the region.
Egypt’s army forces, in cooperation with police taskforces, have been engaged in intensive fighting with ultra-hardliners in Sinai for several years in the face of terror groups seeking to expand control over the area.
Ansar al-Maqdis group, which pledged allegiance to ISIS two years ago and changed its name to Sinai Province, is among the prominent groups fought off by Egyptian forces.
“Upholding efforts expended by armed forces and police taskforces in raiding and combing terrorist strongholds and prosecuting Takfiris in the city of Arish, 28 suspects have been arrested and are under investigation,” the military spokesman said in a statement.
The spokesman gave emphasis to the successful dismantling of an explosive device next to Al-Arish General Hospital, as well as military Air Force targeting of two vehicles belonging to the Takfiris in the city of Rafah.
“Law enforcement forces continue to carry out qualitative operations to eliminate remaining Takfiris,” the statement added.
