4 suspected extremists killed in Egypt

As many as four suspected extremists were killed in a shootout with police near the Suez Canal in northeastern Egypt, a security official said on Saturday.

The suspects opened fire on security agents in Jelbanah desert area of Qantara Sharq city in Ismailiya, where the security personnel were combing the area, Efe news reported.

The policemen responded, shot four extremists dead and seized their weapons.

The official added that the attackers, whose identities were not revealed, were "fugitives" wanted for their alleged involvement in extremist operations in Egypt's Sinai peninsula.

The attack came a day after five policemen were shot dead by a group of unidentified gunmen in a town about 30 km from Cairo, while no group has yet claimed responsibility for that attack.

Terror attacks have recently increased in Egypt, where security forces are particular targets.

--IANS

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