Law enforcement forces foiled on 15/10/2017 a terrorist attack that targeted security checkpoints in al-Kawadis area north east of North Sinai's capital city of Arish, Military Spokesman Colonel Tamer el Refaee said.

Twenty-four terrorists were killed and two armored vehicles were destroyed in the attack, Refaee said.

The clashes also left six army soldiers martyred, he said, adding that a manhunt was launched to arrest the terrorists behind the attack.

In a statement, Al Azhar condemned the terror attack and hailed steadfastness and heroism shown by the martyrs and their comrades. Azhar condoled the Egyptian Armed Forces and the families of the victims, the statement added.

Awqaf Minister Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa, also, mourned the martyrs of the Armed Forces, saluting their sacrifices in defending the country from the terrorism. Gomaa prayed to Allah that the victims’ souls rest in peace and offered his condolences to their families.

In an official statement, the Coptic Orthodox Church condemned the brutal terrorist act and mourned the martyrs of the homeland.