11 security personnel killed in attacks on two Sinai checkpoints - military source

Wednesday 01-07-2015 10:05 AM
11 security personnel killed in attacks on two Sinai checkpoints - military source

A security checkpoint in Rafah on the borders, August 2012 - Reuters

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NORTH SINAI, Jul 1 (Aswat Masriya) - Attacks on two security checkpoints in North Sinai's Sheikh Zuweid on Wednesday left 11 security personnel killed and 25 others injured, a military source said.

Twenty-two "terrorists" were killed in clashes which followed an attack on five security checkpoints, said armed forces spokesman Mohamed Samir in a statement. Samir said that secuirty forces lost 10 casualties "so far", ranging from deaths to injuries. 

Clashes remain ongoing, Samir said. 

Security forces sealed off the al-Arish-Rafah Road following the attacks, police sources said.

Armed assailants attacked military checkpoints in Sheikh Zuweid with mortar shells and heavy weaponry. Security forces were soon to respond, as both sides exchanged fire, the sources said.

Gunmen also attacked the Sheikh Zuweid Police Station with firearms, sources said, adding that security forces were quick to respond, forcing the assailants to retreat. No security forces were injured in the latter attack.

Militancy inside Egypt has seen a significant rise since the military ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Mursi in July 2013, which was prompted by mass protests against his rule. Most attacks occur in North Sinai, targeting security forces. The attacks have left hundreds of security personnel killed.

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