Five Takfiris were killed Wednesday and eight others arrested in a security operation in Rafah and Sheikh Zuwaid cities in North Sinai, security sources said.

The forces also destroyed a number of hotbeds, including two houses and a car used by terrorists to attack police and army troops, the sources added.

North Sinai witnessed fierce clashes between security forces and takfiris, who attacked many checkpoints in a botched attempt to seize control of entrances to and exits of Sheikh Zuwaid.

A week ago, the army killed 100 takfiris and terrorists during the clashes. Seventeen army troops died in the face-off.