At least 20 suspected terrorist killed in Egyptian air strikes

Egypt receives support from Israeli defence ministry after air strikes over the Sinai region kill 20 suspected terrorists in a bid to combat terrorism.

8 August 2012, 12:00am

1 min read

Witnesses see at least three cars destroyed during Egyptian air strikes which kill at least 20 suspected terrorists

At least 20 suspected Islamic terrorists were killed in air strikes launched by Egypt in the Sinai region close to the border with Israel.

This attack in the Sinai marks the largest Egyptian military operation since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

Two military jets and the sounds of explosions were witnessed in nearby areas as well a number of cars being struck during the attack.

Clashes between armed men and security forces have been taking place at several security checkpoints in the Sinai region and according to several media reports, armed men had opened fire on several checkpoints on the border with Israel.

A resident and a policeman were wounded during these attacks.

The Egyptian military action has been supported by Israeli Defence Ministry Diplomatic-Security Bureau chief Major General Amos Gilad who said it was aimed at combating terrorism in the Sinai.

Anarchy has ruled the Sinai area since the fall of former leader Hosni Mubarak after 18 months of rebellious uprising and the election of an Islamist successor who still remains to be tested for his commitment to security cooperation with Jerusalem.