Egyptian Apaches killed 45 militants in air strikes launched in North Sinai's Sheikh Zuwaid, Al-Bawaba News reported Saturday. The militants are believed to be affiliates of Wilayat Sinai group, a terrorist group linked to the Islamic State (IS), formerly known as Ansar Beit al-Maqdis. Meanwhile, the army succeeded in defusing 52 improvised explosive devices planted by terrorists on the side roads in several parts in the city. Since the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, the military has launched a crackdown against terrorist groups, killing and wounding hundreds in the restive peninsula.