Egyptian forces foil terrorist attack, kill 21 militants in North Sinai
21 suspected militants in North Sinai have been killed by Egyptian security forces as the group planned attacks over the Eid holiday which marks the end of Ramadan.
It was reported that the two militant groups were planning to launch attacks during Eid which is a major Islamic holiday that starts on Sunday in Egypt.
According to the interior ministry, two officers were wounded during the operations in which the forces and the militants exchanged fire.
In a statement by interior ministry on Saturday May 23, 2020, it was confirmed that a gun battle ensued between the security forces and the militants.
“The police raided two hideouts of terrorist elements in North Sinai governorate, sparking a gun battle in which two officers were also wounded,” reads the statement.
Egypt has for years been battling insurgency in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula especially with Militants loyal to ISIS who are said to be very active in the area.
Meanwhile, in 2018, a nation-wide operation against militants was launched by the security forces especially in the North Sinai.
In the fight against insurgency, more than 950 suspected militants have been killed so far while dozens of security personnel have also lost their lives.
