Soldier killed, 6 wounded in Sinai blasts

At least one Egyptian soldier was killed and six others were wounded on Sunday in two blasts targeting security forces in North Sinai province bordering Israel and the Gaza Strip, reported Xinhua citing a security source.

"A conscript died following the explosion of an improvised explosive device that targeted a security armoured vehicle while it was combing terrorist dens at Al-Gora town in Sheikh Zuweid city of North Sinai," the source said on condition of anonymity, noting two others were wounded in the first blast.

Another blast wounded four conscripts also in Sheikh Zuweid city and they were sent to hospital for treatment.

The attacks came a day after the Egyptian security forces launched a massive security campaign in the chaotic province that left at least 100 militants killed and 40 others injured.

Earlier on Friday, at least 12 soldiers were killed after gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint in North Sinai, while 15 of the assailants were killed in confrontation with the security forces.

--IANS

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