Egyptian forces kill high-ranking extremist in North Sinai

Egyptian forces killed a high ranking extremist and arrested 22 individuals suspected of providing support to extremist groups in North Sinai, army spokesman Col. Tamer al-Refai announced Wednesday (January 17th).

"In co-operation with the air force, the Second Field Army’s law enforcement forces in North Sinai detected and destroyed a cache containing large quantities of ballistics, bombs and improvised explosive devices [IEDs]," he said in a statement.

They also destroyed a large number of hideouts used by extremists for hiding and storing logistical needs and supplies used in making IEDs, the statement said.

"A vehicle loaded with motorcycle spare parts on its way to extremist elements in North Sinai was seized, along with a pick-up loaded with quantities of hashish," it said.

"This is part of the armed forces’ intensive efforts to crush terrorism and tighten control over the crossings to North Sinai," the statement said.

In other news, a police officer was killed and four conscripts were wounded on Wednesday when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by unknown assailants on al-Arish-al-Qantara Highway exploded.

"The armed forces are trying to besiege extremist elements within their hideouts and cut the routes they use to move their supplies, including weapons, modern communication devices and spare parts for the four-wheel-drive vehicles they use," said former assistant Interior Minister Maj. Gen. Abdul Latif al-Badini.

The army’s crackdown has targeted the outskirts of several North Sinai villages where extremists are hiding, he told Al-Mashareq.

"One of the most important areas is the desert opposite al-Uqda village [Sharqia Governorate] which the army had raided in its recent crackdown, resulting in the arrest of several extremist elements," he said.