The Egyptian army and police have killed 21 takfiris and arrested five others over the past few days in north and central Sinai, the Armed Forces said in a statement.

The Arabic word "takfiri" refers to extremist Sunni Muslims who accuse others of being infidels, often as a justification for using violence against them.

Three of the takfiris were killed in airstrikes, according to the statement, which added that one of the suspects arrested is “extremely dangerous.”

The statement added that 232 criminal suspects were arrested.

Security forces also confiscated and destroyed over 30 vehicles and 49 motorcycles.

The statement said that 391 hideouts filled with weaponry, ammunition and military uniforms were destroyed.

Over the past few days, army engineers safely detonated 21 improvised explosive devices that had been planted in the area of operations.

Security raids also led to the discovery and destruction of 63 marijuana and poppy farms in central Sinai, as well as a number of underground border tunnels and trenches in North Sinai.

The statement issued Thursday by the Egyptian Armed Forces is the 21st communiqué since the launch of Operation Sinai 2018 in early February.

Operation Sinai 2018 was launched “to implement the plan of comprehensive confrontation of terrorist and criminal elements and organisations in north and central Sinai, and in other areas in the Nile Delta and desert areas west of the Nile Valley,” according to the Egyptian Armed Forces.