Egyptian forces kills 52 militants in Sinai, says military

CAIRO: Egyptian troops and security forces have killed at least 52 suspected militants in recent days, the army said in a statement on Sunday, as authorities push ahead with an operation to crush Islamic State.

The deaths brings to more than 300 the number of suspected Islamist militants killed in the operation that the Egyptian army, backed by police and other security forces, launched in February as part of a campaign to eradicate insurgents behind a wave of violence in the desert region.

The statement, issued by the defense ministry, said that troops and security forces also destroyed 15 vehicles laden with weapons and ammunitions while trying to infiltrate the western border, and 17 more in the southern military region.

In Sinai, the statement said that 13 “extremely dangerous takfiris” were killed in an operation by security forces in the city of al-Arish, the capital of North Sinai province. Egypt uses the term takfiri to refer to Islamist militants who often accuse their victims of being infidels.

The remaining 39 militants were killed in various military operations across northern and central Sinai, the military statement said, without giving any breakdown.

The Egyptian military has said that hundreds of militants have been killed in the operation, which President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ordered after an attack on a mosque last November in which hundreds of worshippers died.

The deaths have raised to at least 313 suspected militants, according to a Reuters count based on military statements.

At least 35 military personnel have also been killed since February, according to a Reuters count based on military statements.

Defeating Islamists and restoring security after years of unrest has been a promise of Sisi, who was re-elected in March in a landslide victory against no real opposition.

Sisi’s critics say his presidency has brought a harsh crackdown on dissent, but supporters say such measures are needed to stabilize Egypt, which was rocked by years of unrest after protests toppled veteran leader Hosni Mubarak in 2011.