Cairo, Feb 19 (Prensa Latina) Egyptian security forces killed 16 terrorists in the northern part of the Sinai governorate during two raids this morning, the Ministry of the Interior stated here.

The ministry's national security department identified two hideouts from which a series of attacks would be launched against vital institutions and figures in the city of El-Arish.

According to the portfolio, ten of the extremists were killed on an empty lot in Ubaidat district, El-Arish city, after they opened fire on the security forces carrying out the attack.

The second hiding place was in a house under construction in the Abu Eita district, where six terrorists were also killed after opening fire on police forces.

Firearms, ammunition and explosives were found at the assaulted sites.

The Army has been conducting Sinai Operation 2018, a counter-terrorism campaign that began in February last year; the campaign involves land, naval and air forces, as well as police and border guards.