Since Egyptian forces launched Operation Sinai 2018 on February 9th, 71 extremists have been killed and five have been arrested, army spokesman Tamer al-Refaie said at a Thursday (February 22nd) press conference.
The press conference was held to demonstrate the results of Operation Sinai 2018, an ongoing operation which seeks to combat terrorism in North Sinai and other parts of the country, Egypt's Ahram Online reported.
El-Refaie said seven army personnel have been killed and six have been injured during raids on terrorist hideouts since the start of the operation.
Another 1,852 people have been arrested on criminal charges or on suspicion of providing logistical assistance to terrorists, he said, noting that many of those who were detained have since been released, after being cleared of any charges.
The army has destroyed three tunnels, two communication centres, 14 four-wheel drive vehicles, 99 rifles, 269 motorbikes and 393 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as well as large amounts of TNT and plastic explosives, he said.
Since the start of the operation, the Egyptian air force has destroyed 158 terrorist sites, and the army's artillery has destroyed 413 targets, he said.
The army has destroyed 1,282 targets used as shelter by terrorists, as well as storehouses containing medical equipment, weapons, ammunition, mines and materials used in manufacturing IEDs.
Operation Sinai 2018 involves land, naval and air forces, as well as the police and border guards.
