Egypt: Security forces kill 13 Islamic militants in Sinai

CAIRO – Egypt’s official news agency says security forces have killed at least 13 Islamic militants in a shootout in northern Sinai Peninsula.

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

MENA did not 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 Sinai.

Egypt has been battling 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.