19 militants killed in Egypt's Sinai raids: army

At least 19 extremist militants and one soldier were killed on Monday during a massive security campaign on the dens of extremists in Egypt's restive North Sinai province, the Egyptian military spokesman said in a statement.

"The surprise air raids destroyed 31 dens and warehouses of extremist elements," Military Spokesman Mohamed Samir said, noting that other land raids ruined three vehicles, three motorbikes and eight explosive devices prepared to target the security forces.

Egypt has been fighting against a growing wave of anti-government terrorist attacks since the military removed former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 following mass protests against his one-year rule.

Also on Monday, the Egyptian Interior Ministry announced the death of a wanted Islamist jihadist in a fire exchange in Giza.

Hundreds of security personnel were killed in anti-government attacks in the past three years with a Sinai-based militant group loyal to the Islamic State regional group claiming responsibility for most of them.

In the past couple of days, about 20 soldiers were killed in blasts and armed attacks in North Sinai province, and security forces retaliated by killing around 100 militants and wounding 40 others. Endit