The Islamic State group's Egyptian affiliate, Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, claimed Thursday's deadly attacks in North Sinai that killed 26 people, mostly soldiers.

In a Twitter account linked to the Egyptian group, the jihadists claimed a series of attacks that struck several targets in the restive province where security forces are battling a raging Islamist insurgency.

The group said it "executed extensive, simultaneous attacks in the cities of El-Arish, Sheikh Zuweid and Rafah".