(AFP Photo)
Two were killed and six were injured in an attack on a security checkpoint in Central Sinai Tuesday night.
The injured included three security personnel and three civilians passing through during the shooting. The victims were transferred to Nakhl Central Hospital and Suez General Hospital.
Tarek Khater, deputy of the Health Ministry in North Sinai, stated that the injured police personnel were Ahmed Salah Al-Araby, Fathy Abdel Wareth and Mohamed Eissa Ismail.
In a separate incident, unknown assailants attacked a Central Security Forces camp in the Ahrash area of Rafah. The assailants used RPGs and other heavy weapons in the attack; however, no injuries were reported.
Shortly before this attack, another unknown group attacked a checkpoint near Arish International Airport; security forces fired back and the assailants escaped.
Sinai has been struggling against armed assailants for over a week; security checkpoints and personnel have been under continuous attacks.
Army spokesman Ahmed Ali had said in a press conference on Monday that the army had the ability to restore security in Sinai and were in the process of pursuing and prosecuting assailants.
The attacks led to the closing down of the Rafah Border crossing since 6 July due to increased security measures.
Port Rafah authorities had announced the border crossing will be open temporarily to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan.
“Thousands of Palestinians gathered at the border crossing as it will only be open for four hours” said Ahmed Abo Deraa a Sinai reporter.
Rafah Border Crossing will be open on Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 2.30pm.
Additional reporting by Nasser Al-Azzazy
