Egyptian security forces killed 15 terrorists in a shootout at a farm in restive North Sinai, country’s Ministry of Interior has confirmed.
According to the source, armed group linked to ISIS was planning hostile acts targeting military and police forces in an effort to destabilize national security.
When security forces approached, the fighters, they shot live rounds forcing troops to fire on them killing 15.
Authorities also said they found a small trove of stashed weapons including an explosive device, a belt used for suicide bombings and several rifles.
Sunday’s announcement follows recent military operations in Sinai that authorities say killed 118 fighters in the restive Sinai.
The statement came three days after an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, ISIS) attack on a checkpoint in the town of Bir el-Abd killed eight troops and a civilian. Security forces killed at least 15 fighters in that attack.
