Armed forces have imposed curfew in the villages of al-Mahdiya and al-Moqataa, south of Rafah, North Sinai in the aftermath of clashes that took place on Friday between the forces and armed elements.
Two soldiers and several armed elements were killed, while eights armed forces personnel were injured.
In accordance to curfew, residents stayed home while troops were stationed at the entrances and exits of the two villages.
Militants attempted on Saturday to target an armored vehicle of South Arish security departments early on Saturday.
A security source said armed elements planted an explosive device on the side of road at al-Mazraa area. The bombing took place one minute after the armored vehicle passed, as a loud explosion was heard, followed by a cloud of smoke.
No casualties were reported, the source added. Troops then combed the area in search of the perpetrators.
Security services in North Sinai have lifted emergency and strict measures at the entrances and exits of the governorate as well as main roads in Sina, following fierce clashes between military and Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis group on Friday, south of Rafah.
Security sources and eyewitnesses said high security measures were taken by armed forces and police. Several ambushes take place on roads leading to North Sinai.
Troops were also seen around security and pivotal establishments. Roads leading to sovereign security headquarters at Arish city were closed.
The Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis group issued statement following the clashes threatening the troops if they went forward with the referendum on amended Constitution, adding they would resort to all methods to hinder the referendum.
North Sinai has suffered from instability and frequent attacks against military personnel by militants since the ouster of former President Mohamed Morsy. Army spokesman Ahmed Ali vowed the armed forces would continue fighting terrorist elements until they are wiped out in Sinai.
Many residents in North Sinai say, however, that the army has adopted a policy of “scorched earth” by burning whole neighborhoods in retribution for terrorist attacks, and most of those harmed by the army’s operations are innocent.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
