Egypt says scores killed in Sinai clashes

Five Egyptian soldiers and dozens of militants were killed in recent clashes in the country’s restive northern Sinai Peninsula.

Military spokesman Tamer al-R if ai issued a statement saying the five troops killed included an officer. He said four were wounded and as many as 47 militants were killed.

The statement did not specify when the clashes took place.

The last update on Sinai released by Mr al-R if ai was on 11 March. The statement said scores of militant hideouts and much ammunition and bombs were uncovered. It says the bombs were safely detonated by the Egyptian forces.

Egypt has been battling Islamic militants in Sinai for years. The area remains off limits for journalists, diplomats and other observers.