A bomb explosion on Saturday evening in Sharqeya governorate, killed two occupants of a car, state media reported.
Investigations revealed that the explosive device was planted inside a tunnel in Abu Hamad city in the governorate. It went off as the car passed by it through the tunnel.
One of the bodies found was identified as a lawyer named Ibrahim Mohamed, while the other body is yet to be identified.
Egypt has been struck by such explosions on a frequent basis since the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013. However, the explosions usually target security facilities and personnel and vital public facilities, including electricity pylons. The victims of this incident are civilians.
On 18 May, a policeman died and another injured in an exchange of fire with unknown assailants.
In a separate incident, Saturday evening witnessed an explosion at the main electricity pylon providing electricity to east Port Said. The explosion damaged the pylon, two cars and a motor-cycle, although no casualties were reported. The bomb was planted by unidentified assailants.
On the same day, an explosion occurred in front of a court in Beheira, leaving no casualties.
In response to the heightened insurgency, especially in North Sinai, the armed forces in coordination with the interior ministry are engaged in a fight against militants. Alleged members of several militant groups, including Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis (now “State of Sinai”), Ajnad Misr and Jond Allah, have face mass arrests.
In separate cases these arrested, in media often referred to as members of “terrorist cells”, are on trial on charges of targeting policemen, illegal possession of weapons and explosives, committing acts of violence against the state and civilians.
