By Kenneth Changpertitum
Security forces launched raids against militant outposts across Egypt, including in Daqahleya, Minya, Damietta and Northern Sinai, the Egyptian military announced in a statement on Saturday.
One militant was killed in a shootout and 45 militants were arrested, according to the statement.
In the raids, around 60 canisters consisting up to 1,800 litres of explosive materials were seized, along with Freon Tubes and petroleum products, which the statement said could be used to make bombs.
A total of 11 vehicles were destroyed along with the seizure of 33 motorcycles, which the military said “carried out terrorist attacks against members of the armed forces and civilian police”.
Two tunnels were also destroyed in Northern Sinai.
Security forces have been battling increased militancy since former president Mohamed Morsi was ousted from power in June 2013.
Militant attacks have featured the use of improvised explosive devices, land mines, car bombs, raids and drive-by shootings.
Three security personnel were killed on Friday in three separate shooting attacks, and two bombings injured several policemen outside police officer clubs.
On 1 September, 11 security personnel were killed when their convoy hit a landmine in Northern Sinai.
