A security source has said that the blasts heard early Tuesday in Arish resulted from an explosion of homemade bombs planted close to security areas.
The explosion did not result from rockets, the source said.
Three explosions were heard in Arish and heavy smoke was seen in the city, according to eyewitnesses.
The first explosion was in the Ghernata area where army forces are stationed. The second explosion took place close to the Second Police Station near a guesthouse for important visitors, an army checkpoint, and the headquarters of the administrative prosecution. The third explosion was close to Arish’s Third Police Station in the Fawakhreya area.
The walls of the guesthouse were partially destroyed in the second explosion and the windows in the area were broken, the source said. The other two explosions did not cause any damages.
The explosives were planted by an armed group who were driving a private car. They exchanged fire with security forces in front of the Second Police Station and then fled.
Security has tightened in Arish since early Tuesday, with security forces cordoning off the city’s entry and exit points.
Police and army forces have been in confrontation with radical elements in Sinai since the ouster of President Mohamed Morsy, with dozens of people killed on both sides.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
