Security forces imposed a total closure on three cities, Arish, Sheikh Zuwayed and Rafah, and their affiliated towns in North Sinai; a security source told Youm7 Wednesday.
The three cities have been under a curfew since October, after a militant attack killed 31 soldiers. The location of these cities, in northeastern part of North Sinai, is the main area of restiveness in the peninsula.
Residents said that they heard repeated explosions south Sheikh Zuwayed, according to the source.
On July 1, Islamic State’s Egyptian affiliate, Sinai Province, claimed responsibility for attacking more than 15 security sites and carrying out three suicide bombings in North Sinai.
Egypt’s armed forces said that at least 205 militants and 17 soldiers were killed in subsequent clashes
