Security forces launched raids against militant outposts across Egypt, including in Daqahleya, Port Said, Ismailia, and Northern Sinai, the Egyptian military announced in a Sunday statement. The armed forces spokesperson said that the operations between 20-27 September resulted in the killing of 26 militants in separate attacks and the arrest of 84. In the raids, a total of 24 vehicles and motorcycles were destroyed along with the seizure of amounts of explosives and ammunition, which the military said "were used to carry out terrorist attacks against members of the armed forces and police". Also, 18 tunnels were destroyed in Northern Sinai. The statement added that the operations resulted in the arrest of "148 for illegal immigration" including "137 Egyptians, 1 Syrian, 6 Palestinians and 1 Sudanese". Security forces have been battling increased militancy since former president Mohamed Morsi was ousted from power in July 2013. Militant attacks have featured the use of improvised explosive devices, landmines, car bombs, raids and drive-by shootings. On 16 September six policemen, one officer and five conscripts, were killed by a roadside bomb in Rafah in Northern Sinai.
