The armed forces killed four militants in an exchange of fire around Sheikh Zuweid and Al-Arish in North Sinai between the 19 and 20 January, according to a military spokesperson statement released Wednesday.

The statement also announced the arrest of 27 individuals, 16 of whom were allegedly wanted, while the others were said to be “suspects”.

The army has posted several photos of military operations against militants during the past week, featuring graphic images allegedly showing dead militants, as well as the destruction of houses and shacks that hosted “terrorist hideouts”.

Militant group ‘State of Sinai’, formerly known as Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis, has also been posting several pictures on its Twitter account in recent days, claiming attacks and showcasing men holding weapons while allegedly engaged in combat with the armed forces.

An army officer and two conscripts were injured following the explosion of a roadside bomb south of Sheikh Zuwied Tuesday. The injured were transferred to Al-Arish hospital.

Another roadside bomb in the same area injured an army officer and three conscripts on Sunday.