Two soldiers have been killed in the Sinai Peninsula in an ongoing military operation against ISIL fighters in the region, according to the Egyptian military on Sunday.

Here is what's happening - and why:

What is happening

Rebellion: Security operations against rebels in Sinai have been ongoing since 2000, but the rebellion picked up the moment after the military coup in 2013.

In late 2014, Egypt declared a state of emergency in the region while Sinai's most active armed group pledged its allegiance to ISIL.

The state of emergency was declared in the region.

2018 campaign: A major operation was launched on February 18 with Egyptian ground, air and naval forces along with border guards and police on the hunt.

The army ordered hospitals to be placed on high alert, preparing extra beds and personnel, to deal with emergencies and medical evacuations.

Demolitions: Schools and dozens of homes have been demolished, using heavy weapons and arms machinery that range from howitzers, fighter jets, tanks and attack helicopters.

Amnesty International also reported the use of cluster bombs in its operations.

Israeli warplanes have also carried out covert air raids in Sinai in coordination with Egypt, the New York Times reported.

Communication: Egypt's military operations have reportedly also targeted mobile phone signals in the region, and even jammed reception in the neighbouring Gaza Strip and in Israel.

An Egyptian official said, "Obviously, we want to stop terrorists from communicating."

Casualties

The following casualties are based on military statements by the Egyptian army.

Troops: Twenty-four Egyptian soldiers have been killed since the beginning of the military operation in Sinai on February 9.

According to the latest military statement on March 19, "an officer and three conscripts were killed", while eight troops, including three army officers, were injured.

Insurgents: Thirty-six fighters killed in clashes with the military in the North Sinai city of Arish in the past five days.

Detentions: More than 3,100 people have been detained so far, of which 345 in the past five days.

Why Sinai