Over the past month of the extensive armed operation dubbed "Sinai 2018," 52 alleged armed extremists were killed, while 49 other suspects were arrested, during raids of security forces in North Sinai. According to the 26th statement of the military spokesperson Tamer El-Refaei on the operation which was issued on Sunday, the alleged extremists were hiding in one of the abandoned buildings in north and middle of Sinai. The security forces attacked the militants after receiving intelligence information. Arms, money, and cell phones were found in the possession of the militants, according to the statement. The security forces targeted several terror spots, 26 dens, and hideouts. The forces also destroyed 21 vehicles, which were set to target the security forces. The vehicles contained military clothes and books promoting extremism. The forces also found and destroyed 64 explosive units. On the western borders, the air force destroyed 15 vehicles loaded with arms and ammunitions, while crossing the Egyptian borders, in addition to destroying 17 vehicles in the southern military region. Al-Refaei added that security forces have organised over 1,080 ambushes and patrols. They also arrested, found, and destroyed a number of tunnels in Rafah in North Sinai. Egypt's security forces launched on 9 February an extensive military operation in Sinai, aiming at targeting dens and ammunition storages that are being used by terrorists, according to the first statement from the armed forces. The operation includes the navy, air force, and infantry forces.
