According to the spokesperson, the first day of the operation left 18 militants and three army personnel dead, and two other personnel injured. Following Friday’s attack, the army pledged retaliation for the blood of the killed conscripts and airstrikes were quickly launched against “Sinai Province”. The recently launched security operation is an extension of these intensive airstrikes. Security sweeps are being conducted in a number of villages and cities in North Sinai and the surrounding desert areas. On Sunday, “Sinai Province” declared responsibility for the attack on Zagdan checkpoint and published photos of militants firing at conscripts stationed at the checkpoint.

Source: Daily News Egypt October 17, 2016 14:15 UTC