12 terrorists killed in shootout with police in Arish

CAIRO – 22 November 2018: The National Security managed Tuesday to kill 12 terrorists after monitoring a group of terrorist elements in one of the deserted neighborhoods in Arish.

A number of firearms and improvised explosive devices as well as an amount of ammunition were found in possession of the terrorist elements.

On October 25, Military spokesperson Tamer al-Rifai told Sky News that the military forces succeeded in destroying the infrastructure of terrorist groups in Sinai.

Since the start of the comprehensive Sinai operation 2018, more than 450 terrorists have been killed and 1,200 explosive devices were discovered.

Rifai pointed out that the army destroyed 900 vehicles and 1,000 motorcycles that belonged to terrorists, and seized 420 farms of narcotic plants, 118 tons of drugs and 24 million tablets.

Furthermore, Rifai confirmed that the military forces supervised the development projects in Sinai. The army was tasked to complete 310 development projects worth LE195 billion in Sinai; 145 development projects have been completed and 165 others are underway, Rifai added.

Last February, and under the title "Comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018," Egypt's Armed Forces launched a comprehensive military operation targeting the hotbeds of terrorists in Northern and Central Sinai.

Sinai, in particular, has been a staging ground for militants operating in Egypt for decades. It is also believed to be home to the Islamic State’s Egyptian branch, which has been primarily targeting civilians and security forces.