The toll of killings among "takfiri elements" in the armed forces' latest operation in Sinai rose to 203, as the "Retribution for the martyr" operation against militant groups continued to its sixth day. The military spokesperson announced Friday the results of the fifth day of the operation, revealing the killing of 98 takfiris, the largest number since the start of the operation, in addition to the destruction of 11 vehicles. Four soldiers were victims of an exchange of fire with the militants as seven other military personnel were injured. Twenty three suspects were arrested, according to the military, raising the toll of arrests since the start of the operation to 218. The military operation covers the three cities of Al-Arish, Sheikh Zuweid and Rafah. The air force, special forces and naval units are partaking in the operation, which aims to purge an Islamist militant insurgency that has been active mainly in North Sinai since the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood government in July 2013. Two civilians were killed in a car bomb explosion in Rafah during the army forces' movements within the operation. The explosion did not cause causalities among the military personnel. However a number of civilians were injured, according to the army's statement. The active Islamist group in North Sinai, "State of Sinai", released a statement on Friday claiming responsibility for an attack that targeted an army convoy south of Sheikh Zuweid, using guided missiles. The group claimed it seized a number of vehicles.
