Egypt’s armed forces has killed 19 “takfiris” in North Sinai during anti terrorism operations last week, a statement by the military read late on Saturday, with operations resulting in the “death or injury” of five army personnel.

The statement said the three of the “extremely dangerous takfiris" were killed in two qualitative operations against in North Sinai. They were found with automatic rifles, hand grenades, and rocket-propelled grenade (RBG) shells.

The other 16 takfiri elements were killed after the army’s air forces shelled zones at a number of terrorist hideouts.

Two army officers, one non-commissioned officers, and two soldiers were killed or injured during the operations, it said.

The armed forces said it detonated five explosive devices planted on roads in operation zones, and destroyed two four wheelers and a a warehouse containing large amount of explosives and logistic support for terrorist elements.

It said it arrested a number of smugglers carrying large quantities of weapons and ammunition of various calibers, the statement said, adding that a number of four wheelers were seized with huge quantities of drugs confiscated and a car having $200,000 seized in Ahmed Hamdy Tunnel.