Eight Egyptian security agencies killed in Sinai attack

CAIRO ( Halbeeg News) – At least eight Egyptian security personnel have been killed at a security checkpoint in Egypt’s restive Sinai the interior ministry said.
“Terrorist elements targeted a checkpoint west of El Arish early this morning… The exchange of fire killed fire terrorist elements and eight police were martyred,” a ministry statement said on Wednesday.
Some fighters escaped and security forces are following their movements, the ministry added.
“Eight killed and three wounded were transferred to El Arish public hospital. All of the victims were Central Security Force personnel,” a medical source told the AFP news agency.
Egyptian state TV said there were fears the death toll could rise as there were reports of attacks on multiple checkpoints.
The attack came at the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
No group has claimed responsibility so far for the early morning attack and authorities have not yet commented on the incident.
Egypt has for years been battling armed groups in North Sinai.
Hundreds of police officers and soldiers have been killed in attacks, which intensified after the army’s removal of President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.