Egypt’s Ministry of the Interior announced on Wednesday the killing of five members of a Islamist terrorist cell in Arish city, North Sinai.
According to the National Security Agency’s investigations, the cell was planning to attack vital installations and officials in Arish.
A raid was launched at the cell’s reported hideout. The terrorists fired heavily at police forces, who responded by returning fire and killing five terrorists.
Three automatic rifles, a gun, an IED, and an explosive belt were found in their possession.
Earlier this week, the Interior Ministry announced the killing of six other terrorists in a raid on a mountainous area on the western desert road between Assiut and Sohag. The security forces found firearms and leaflets in their possession.
Egypt has been battling a violent Islamist insurgency, mostly in North Sinai, that gained traction in 2013 following the overthrow of Muslim Brotherhood President Mohamed Morsi. The insurgents pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in late 2014.
Hundreds of security force members have been killed, as well as hundreds of militants.
