Egyptian Defence Minister and Army Commander Sedki Sobhi visiting an injured soldier in hospital 18 July 2015 (Photo: Official Facebook page of Egypt's military spokesperson)
Egyptian Defence Minister Sedki Sobhi visited Saturday soldiers injured in "anti-terrorism" combat, the state news agency MENA reported.
Sobhi spoke to soldiers receiving medical treatment in armed forces hospitals after sustaining injuries in attacks staged by anti-government Islamist militants.
Sobhi said army soldiers "prove every day that they live up to their responsibility ... and give an example in heroism and sacrifice," adding they are Egypt's "first defence line."
He also wished them a happy holiday as the country celebrates the second of three days of the Muslim Eid El-Fitr, which follows the holy month of Ramadan.
Several Egyptian officials, including President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab, have visited injured soldiers over the month of July.
On 1 July, Islamic State group affiliated Sinai Province launched major simultaneous attacks on multiple police and army sites in North Sinai, leaving at least 21 soldiers dead.
A decade-long militant insurgency in North Sinai has intensified in the past two years, with hundreds of army and police personnel killed. The army has also announced the killing of hundreds of terrorists.
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