(AFP File Photo)
By Nasser Al-Azazy
A group of unidentified gunmen attacked a Central Security Forces camp with automatic weapons early on Monday morning.
A source from the North Sinai Security Directorate confirmed that the camp, near the town of Rafah, was attacked. The source said that there were no fatalities or injuries as a result of the attack. Local residents said they heard gunfire exchanged between the security forces and the attackers.
Twenty-six armoured personnel carriers were deployed in the northern Sinai region following the attack in order to strengthen security in the area, reported AFP.
Sinai is currently on high alert due to the on-going hostage situation in the region. Seven security officers were kidnapped last Thursday. On Sunday the kidnappers released a video showing the kidnapped men blindfolded. Each man identified himself and one relayed the demands of the hostage takers. They demanded the release of Sinai political prisoners, including Sheikh Hamada Abou Sheita, who was arrested in September 2012 after he was sentenced to death in absentia on charges of attacking security forces.
Additional reporting by Joel Gulhane
