The Egyptian police killed 12 alleged militants in two separate raids in Al-Arish, according to the Ministry of Interior. This came after the ministry received information from the National Security Agency on the presence of a number of militants in two of the buildings in Arish, who were preparing to implement a number of terrorist attacks against security entities and personnel. The security forces exchanged fire with the militants, leaving 12 militants dead. The police confiscated two automatic rifles with them, as well as three FN rifles, cartridges, explosive belts, and devices. The statement indicates that legal action has been taken and the State Security Prosecution will directly investigate the case. On Monday, the Egyptian police announced the death of 12 alleged militants from the Hasm movement in two separate shootouts in Giza and Cairo. It comes only 24 hours after 17 people were injured in a roadside bomb attack in Giza. The first appearance of the Hasm movement was in early 2016, and the Egyptian state said the group belongs to the Brotherhood. The movement had claimed responsibility for several terrorist attacks in statements circulated online. The military has been carrying out ‘Operation Sinai 2018', a counter-terrorism campaign, since February 2018. The campaign involves land, naval and air forces, as well as the police and border guards. In November 2017, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi vowed to restore stability by eradicating terrorism, placing the military and police in charge of completing the task within a period of three months. This had followed a massive first-of-its-kind terror attack on a mosque in Al-Arish, killing at least 305 citizens.
