Egypt’s army killed five militants during a military campaign in Central Sinai on Tuesday, according to the military spokesman.

In an official statement, armed forces spokesman Tamer El-Refai said ground and air forces were able to demolish an underground hideout, killing the militants.

Three other militants were arrested, while a van carrying narcotics was confiscated.

Security forces have been battling an Islamist insurgency for several years in North Sinai; militants have killed hundreds of security personnel. Egyptian troops have also killed hundreds of militants during operations in the border region.