Egypt launches offensive against Sinai militants

Egyptian helicopter gunships and tanks pounded suspected hideouts of Islamic militants in the northern Sinai Peninsula today in a major new offensive in the insurgent stronghold, officials said.

The assault came after a long column of armoured vehicles and trucks poured into the targeted areas in what residents said was one of the largest operations there in years.

A security official said "dozens" of insurgent suspects were killed and wounded in the Sinai offensive, which comes two days after a failed suicide bombing targeting the country's top policeman in Cairo.

Smoke could be seen rising from the towns of Rafah and Sheikh Zuweyid, and troops set up a cordon to prevent militants from escaping as others combed the area, he said.

The northern Sinai, which adjoins Israel and the Gaza Strip, has long been a haven for militants including al-Qaida-inspired groups.