IS claims attack on Egypt's Christian monastery; 1 policeman dead

A policeman was killed and three others were injured after suspected Islamic State terrorists opened fire on a security checkpoint near Saint Catharine monastery in Egypt's South Sinai, the Ministry of Interior has said.

According to the SITE Intelligence Group, the IS- affiliated Amaq news agency announced that the group's militants carried out the attack on Tuesday.

The gunmen targeted a security checkpoint outside the monastery where they exchanged fire with police forces, a statement by the ministry said.

In retaliatory firing by police, some attackers were injured which forced them to flee, the statement added.

The injured have been transferred to Sharm El-Shiekh International Hospital for treatment, security officials said.