Egypt's Armed Forces said it has killed 26 and arrested five others Saturday in a raid in North Sinai, in an official statement Sunday. The raid had attacked vehicles, motorcycles used by those extremists in targeting the military checkpoints, destroyed explosive devices, and confiscating three fire guns and cell phones. "The armed forces will continue its fight against "takfiri" elements and increase its efforts in protecting the vital targets and facilities and roads leading to them," the statement stated. The frequent raids target extremists and "takfiri" elements in the areas of Arish, Sheikh Zuwaid, and other areas in North Sinai and is considered a comprehensive operation in retaliation for martyrs. Insurgents have intensified attacks in North Sinai since the ouster of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. The governorate has become the scene of violent clashes between extra-state militants and the Egyptian armed forces. "State of Sinai", formerly known as Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis, has claimed responsibility for the majority of the attacks against security forces in North Sinai, including the Russian plane crash in Sinai on 31 October, which killed all 224 passengers and crew members. In September, the military announced killing of at least 100 "takfiri elements" and the arrest of another 195 as part of operation "Retribution for the martyr" against militant groups in North Sinai.
