Egyptian security forces have killed two "extremely dangerous" criminal suspects in a shootout in Qena in Upper Egypt, the interior ministry said on Tuesday.

Police received information that a suspect accused of murder and drug-related charges was hiding along with four others in Hosaynat village in Qena governorate, the ministry said in a statement.

The criminals opened fire on security forces who approached them in a farm area where they were hiding. The officers returned fire, killing two of them.

Security forces backed by combat groups have launched an extensive campaign to target the group, which the statement described as "extremely dangerous."

A third suspect was arrested, while two others escaped, the ministry added.