Egyptian armed forces began to deploy units in governorates nationwide on Monday to secure public properties, main roads and highways, reported an army spokesperson Monday evening.

The deployment follows the National Defence Council's decision on Sunday to support police forces around the country.

The decision comes hours after Egypt launched airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Libya.

Egypt said the strikes are a retaliation for the beheading of 21 Egyptian Copts by the Islamic radicals in Libya.