An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in the North Sinai city of El-Arish, killing two citizens and injuring 11 others, including three police conscripts from a passing police van, Al-Ahram Arabic news website reported on Monday.

According to security sources and eyewitnesses, unknown assailants planted the explosive device in the El-Khazan area with the aim of targeting a passing prisoner transport van.

Security forces are currently combing the area for the culprits and other possible explosive devices.

The bodies of the two dead citizens and the injured were transferred to El-Arish General Hospital, while the injured conscripts were taken to El-Arish Military Hospital.

No group has yet claimed responsibility of the attack.

Egyptian forces have for years been grappling with an Islamist insurgency based in parts of the North Sinai governorate.

Short link:

