The Egyptian Armed Forces killed on Sunday 14 militants and arrested 12 others after forces succeeded in intercepting a planned ambush on a security checkpoint by militants in Sheikh Zuweid, according to statement published by an official spokesperson.

The incident took place after the Armed Forces received confirmation of the militants’ attack.

According to the statement, this comes as part of the Armed Forces continuation of Operation Martyr’s Right, in cooperation with North Sinai police forces. The aim of this extensive operation is to stop the perpetrators of frequent attacks on civilians and security personnel through intensive airstrikes and artillery usage across the cities of Al-Arish, Sheikh Zuweid, and Rafah in the North Sinai governorate.

The militants had three shotguns, two bombs, and 234 rounds in their possession, the statement added.

The third stage of Operation Martyr’s Right resulted in the destruction of 25 houses and 57 huts owned by militants as well as an explosives store. Ten trucks and motorbikes that were used by militants to attack state security checkpoints were also seized.

North Sinai has been under a state of emergency since the term of interim president Adly Mansour, who came into office following Mohammed Morsi. The state of emergency was last extended in January 2016.