The Egyptian armed forces destroyed four “hostile” boats containing what the military called “terrorist elements,” and arrested 32 people off the coast of Damietta governorate, the military said in a statement on Wednesday night.
“Hostile vessels” opened fire on an Egypt navy boat while it was on patrol, the military spokesperson’s office said on Wednesday. An exchange of gunfire took place between the “terrorist elements” and the navy, who had called for back-up forces.
According to state-owned media, four of the attackers were killed during the clashes. The military has not yet confirmed.
One navy boat was set on fire, and five navy personnel were injured and taken to a military hospital. The military also stated that eight of its navy personnel are missing and military forces are currently searching for them.
The area in which the clashes occurred has been completely evacuated, the military said.
The navy boat was on patrol 40 miles north of the port of Damietta when gunmen opened fire from several directions.
