At least 23 suspected Islamist State militants killed on Thursday in Egyptian army airstrikes in North Sinai.[TAKE VO]The airstrikes were conducted in the early hours of Thursday, one day after deadliest clashes between the security forces and militants. According to the army, 17 soldiers and 100 militants were killed in fierce fighting following a wave of militant attacks on military checkpoints on Wednesday
According to the army, 17 soldiers and 100 militants were killed in fierce fighting following a wave of militant attacks on military checkpoints on Wednesday.
The sources said Apache helicopters on Thursday struck bases of militants suspected of taking part in Wednesday’s brazen attacks on military checkpoints in southern Shiekh Zuweid city.
Sinai-based Ansar Bayet al-Maqdis, an Islamic State affiliate in the peninsula, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The peninsula has been plagued by a growing militant insurgency following the ouster of Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013 by the army in response to mass protests against his rule.
