Egyptian security officials say dozens of suspected Islamist militants were killed or injured Saturday during a large army operation against militants in the northern Sinai.
Armored vehicles backed by attack helicopter gunships were used in a raid against suspected militant hideouts around the town of Sheikh Zuweid, near the border with the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
Officials say they arrested several suspected militants during the operation.
Residents of the area say it looked like one of the largest military operations there in years. The French News Agency says Egyptian officials closed the border crossing with Gaza for security reasons.
Militant groups inspired by al-Qaida have increased attacks against Egyptian security forces in the Sinai since President Mohamed Morsi was ousted in July.
Armored vehicles backed by attack helicopter gunships were used in a raid against suspected militant hideouts around the town of Sheikh Zuweid, near the border with the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
Officials say they arrested several suspected militants during the operation.
Residents of the area say it looked like one of the largest military operations there in years. The French News Agency says Egyptian officials closed the border crossing with Gaza for security reasons.
Militant groups inspired by al-Qaida have increased attacks against Egyptian security forces in the Sinai since President Mohamed Morsi was ousted in July.