Egyptian Armed Forces have neutralised 19 militants during several military operations undertaken in North Sinai, according to a military spokesperson. In a detailed statement on Saturday night, the spokesperson said the Armed Forces had received intelligence that some militants were hiding near Bir al-Abd, Sheikh Zuweid, and Rafah cities. The Armed Forces carried out two qualitative operations in North Sinai that saw three dangerous militants killed. Rocket-propelled grenades (RBG) and automatic weapons were confiscated alongside the neutralisation of five explosive devices. The army also carried out airstrikes on several hideouts, which eliminated 16 militants. The forces destroyed two 4×4 cars, as well as a large amount of explosive devices and logistical support the terrorist elements were using. The Border Guard Forces arrested a number of smugglers and confiscated large amounts of weapons, ammunition and 4×4 cars. Drugs, including hemp and hashish, as well as large amounts of cash amounting to up to $200,000, were also confiscated. The army said that three officers and two soldiers were injured or killed during the operations. A state of emergency has been in force across North Sinai since October 2014. The Egyptian army and police forces launched a comprehensive campaign in February 2018 to confront militants in the Sinai Peninsula, Nile Delta region, and the Western Desert.
