Egypt's Armed Forces killed a total of 83 suspected Islamist militants, including six “dangerous elements,” in sweeping operations in north and central Sinai as part of the counter-terrorism comprehensive operation, dubbed Sinai 2018, according to a Monday statement by the military spokesperson. An officer and two soldiers were killed and injured in these operations which began from 28 September, the statement added. A total of 65 weapons of different types, 20 mortar bombs, ammunition, explosives devices, and communication devices were confiscated by the forces in central Sinai. The air forces demolished 14 hideouts used by terrorist elements and two tunnel hatches. The forces also destroyed 115 4×4 vehicles and 33 other vehicles, as well as 93 motorcycles used by militants in their raids. Moreover, the forces discovered and defused 376 explosive devices that were planted to target the military personnel. A total of 61 suspected and criminal elements were apprehended, the statement added. The army's border guards also managed to confiscate 13 rifles, 5,831 kg of pure hashish, 7,082 kg of weed, and 59 kg of opium. They also confiscated 113 vehicles used in smuggling and an unspecified amount of money. Moreover, the forces also thwarted an attempt of illegal immigration of 4,707 of different nationals. Last week, the police said that it killed thirteen suspected militants during a security raid in a farm in Al-Arish, North Sinai. Since October 2014, a state of emergency has been imposed in North Sinai. Egypt's army and police have launched in February 2018 a comprehensive campaign to confront militants in central and North Sinai, the Nile Delta region, and the Western Desert.
