Egypt attacks militant hideouts in Sinai

Egyptian helicopters have fired rockets at militant hideouts in the northern Sinai Peninsula, a security official said today.

The official said the two helicopter gunships fired 13 rockets after surprising militant gatherings in two locations – al-Muqataa and Touma, south of the town of Sheikh Zuweyid, near the border with Gaza.

He said “dozens” of militants were killed and injured but that fighting was continuing. He did not mention if there were yet any soldiers on the ground to assess the number of casualties.

Attacks by Islamic militants have surged in the lawless Sinai after Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi was ousted in a coup on July 3.