The Egyptian authorities on early Wednesday arrested a U.S. retired officer due to sneaking into North Sinai governorate, local security source told Xinhua.

The U.S. citizen, who said he was on his way to Gaza, was arrested in Sheikh Zuwaid city bordering Israel while carrying some documents, data and maps about Sinai, the source said.

He is currently under investigation in Arish police station, the source added.

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