Egypt: Security forces kill 12 Islamic militants in Sinai

CAIRO – Egypt’s official news agency says security forces have killed at least 12 Islamic militants in a shootout in northern Sinai Peninsula.

Sunday’s report by MENA says the fighting erupted when forces raided a suspected militant hideout in the city of al-Arish. It says troops also dismantled two explosive devices and seized weapons during the raid.

MENA didn’t say when the raid took place or whether any members of the security forces were killed or wounded. Egypt heavily restricts media access to the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula.

Egypt has battled militants for years but the Sinai-based insurgency gained strength after the 2013 overthrow of the country’s elected but divisive Islamist president, Mohammed Morsi.

In February, Egypt launched a massive operation against militants in Sinai and elsewhere in the country.