Egyptian security officials say a roadside bomb struck an armored military vehicle in the restive northern part of Sinai Satur0day, wounding two conscripts.

The officials gave no further details on the attack. They say elsewhere in Sinai on Saturday security forces arrested 16 suspected militants, including a man wanted in connection to the abduction of six policemen and a border guard earlier this year.

They say the man, Ismail Abu Shita, carried out the abductions to pressure police to release his imprisoned brother. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to talk to media.

Controversial negotiations with the abductors during President Mohammed Morsi's rule helped free the seven abducted.

Attacks in Sinai have increased since Morsi's July ouster by the armed forces. An army offensive against Sinai-based militants is underway.