CAIRO
Eight Egyptian soldiers were killed on Saturday in attacks by militants in northern Sinai, local media reported.
Official news agency MENA, citing military sources, said gunmen attacked a security checkpoint at Sheikh Zuweid, killing five and leaving others wounded. Mohamed Samir, a military spokesman, said another three were killed and four wounded in a mortar attack in the same region.
A group linked to Daesh claimed responsibility on Twitter.
The army responded by shelling positions, killing 20 militants, Samir said. Two armored vehicles belonging the group were destroyed.
Northern Sinai has been the scene of fighting between government forces and insurgents since mid-2013.
