An explosive charge planted on the International Road in Arish,in North Sinai was foiled on Wednesday, a security source said.

Terrorists planted the bomb on the road between al-Maidan security checkpoint and Masaed district in Arish to target security forces, the source said.

The bomb was spotted and then defused, said the source,

The forces mopped up the area searching for other potential bombs and to manhunt culprits.

North Sinai has 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.

The army killed 100 takfiris and terrorists during the clashes.

Seventeen army troops died in the face-off.