CAIRO, March 11 (Aswat Masriya) Egypt's army spokesman Ahmed Aly said on Tuesday that the authorities have arrested 18 "terrorists and criminals" in security operations this week.

The arrests were made in the governorates of Sinai, Ismailia, Port Said, Sharqiya, Damietta, Daqahliya, Minya and Fayoum, Aly said, adding that they included two very "dangerous extremists". 

He added that the authorities also demolished six tunnels that were being used to smuggle people and products into Gaza as well as confiscated some arms and explosive devices. 

Attacks on security forces have increased since the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July. In response, the authorities have stepped up efforts, especially in the lawless Sinai peninsula.