Nine militants arrested for Sinai attacks by Egypt

Egyptian government forces arrest nine militants connected with attacks on security forces in Sinai.

Egyptian military forces arrest nine rebels believed responsible for attacks in Sinai
Egyptian military forces arrest nine rebels believed responsible for attacks in Sinai

Nine Islamic militants believed to be behind the attack last weekend which killed 16 Egyptian soldiers, have been detained in northern Sinai by Egyptian troops and security forces.

A security official said this was the first reported arrest related to the attack which took place last Sunday.

A major Egyptian military operation in the Sinai Peninsula was commenced in an attempt to eliminate Islamic militant groups which are growing in numbers and strength since former president Hosni Mubarak was ousted in 2011.

Militants have continued low-level attacks on Egyptian troops and security forces despite the arrival of more troops which is questioning the effectiveness of the four-day-old operation.