Eight soldiers & 14 militants die in clashes

EIGHT Egyptian soldiers and 14 militants were killed in fighting in central Sinai yesterday.

Gunmen carrying explosive belts and grenades targeted a military checkpoint.

The attack was the largest against Egyptian security forces since president Abdel Fattah al-sisi won a second term in office last month.

It also came just hours after the country extended a state of emergency imposed a year ago.

Four of the militants detonated explosive belts, killing the soldiers and wounding 15 others.

The president has vowed to work for stability.