Egypt’s army has killed five “terrorist elements” in a shootout in North Sinai’s Sheikh Zuweid city, the army spokesman said in a statement on Sunday.

The incident occurred after the army set up an unscheduled checkpoint in Sheikh Zuweid’s El-Sabkha area.

The assailants reportedly opened fire on the troops, who responded in kind, resulting in the death of the five militants.

There was no mention of army casualties in the statement.

The soldiers found two machine guns, 94 bullets, and a walkie-talkie on the assailants.

Egypt's army has been fighting an insurgency in parts of North Sinai, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of militants and security forces.

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