Al Azhar denounced targeting a navy boat by militants off the Mediterranean coast of Rafah city, North Sinai.

"Such attacks run counter to Islamic norms which denounce all kinds of violence," Azhar said in a statement.

It called on all Egyptians to stand united behind the armed forces in the fight on terror.

On Thursday, army units and terrorist elements exchanged fire off Rafah, military spokesman Mohamed Samir said.

As a security launch was combing the coast off Rafah, it suspected moves by some persons on the shore, the spokesman said.

The launch chased the terrorist elements and a fire exchanged ensued, the spokesman said, adding that no human losses were reported but the launch was set on fire.

Backup forces were dispatched, and the whole area is being searched for the terror attackers, he added.