8 soldiers killed in suicide car bombing in Egypt's Sinai
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Egypt's military spokesman says Islamic militants have exploded a suicide car bomb at a checkpoint in northern Sinai and clashed with troops, leaving eight dead.
Mohammed Samir said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page that the militants late Thursday also blew up an armored vehicle at the checkpoint near the restive city of el-Arish. At least 12 troops were injured.
Samir said three of the militants were killed and the rest are on the run. He also said the car bomb was laden with a large amount of explosives.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
No group claimed responsibility.
The Egyptian military has been battling Islamic extremists in Sinai for years. The Islamic State affiliate has claimed responsibility for the country's worst attacks.