Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has mourned the death of a number of soldiers who were killed in an IED explosion in Bir El-Abed city in North Sinai governorate on Thursday.

"The evil forces are still attempting to take this country hostage. But thanks to God, Egyptian citizens and the strong military, [we are] steadfast with strength and faith and able to destroy the hopes of these malicious souls," said El-Sisi in a statement.

Ten Egyptian military personnel were “killed or wounded” when an improvised explosive device was detonated in North Sinai on Thursday, the Egyptian military said.

An officer, a non-commissioned officer, and eight soldiers were killed or injured when an IED detonated under their armoured vehicle in southern Bir El-Abed city in North Sinai governorate, according to a military statement.

The military has been carrying out Operation Sinai 2018, a counter-terrorism campaign, since February 2018. The campaign involves land, naval, and air forces, as well as the police and border guards.