Two Egyptian soldiers, five militants killed in Sinai clashes

Egypt’s military says two soldiers and five militants were killed in clashes that erupted after armed men tried to attack a security checkpoint in Sinai province.

A military spokesman said in a statement on Wednesday that two other militants were injured and some others fled the scene.

"One of the militants, wearing an explosive vest, attempted to raid one of the security checkpoints and due to the vigilance of the security forces the terrorist was killed while the rest of the militants were dealt with," the spokesman said.

The news comes two days after at least 18 policemen, including a general, were killed some 30 kilometers west of el-Arish in northern Sinai after militants ambushed their convoy.

SS