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

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.

As of yet, no one has taken responsibility for the highly coordinated attacks, although the suspicion is that they were committed by an Islamic State affiliate. There were reportedly around 70 militant fighters involved.

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