Militant attacks on Egyptian army in Sinai leave at least 35 dead

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At least 35 people have been killed in simultaneous attacks in Egypt's northern Sinai region. Militants apparently targeted six military checkpoints, utilizing at least one suicide car bomb as well as mortars and RPGs, and took soldiers captive in addition to seizing weapons and armored vehicles, The Associated Press has learned. Mines were also placed in the region to prevent Egyptian military vehicles from quickly accessing the sites of the attacks, Wael Abbas, an Egyptian journalist, told Al Jazeera.

Egyptian military spokesman Brig. Gen. Mohammed Samir reported to the media that fighting is ongoing between the Egyptian army and the militants, and claimed a much lower number of casualties — only 10. However, the Egyptian army has deployed fighter jets to the region for support, Al Jazeera says. Additionally, in response to the Sinai attacks, Israel has closed off two of its border crossings into Egypt, Haaretz reports.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.