60 killed as suicide bombers attack army checkpoints in #Egypt; Islamic State claims responsibility

At least 60 Egyptian soldiers were on Wednesday killed as militants launched simultaneous attacks on army checkpoints, using suicide bombers and heavy weapons, in the restive north of the Sinai Peninsula, officials said.

Islamic State’s Egypt affiliate, Sinai Province, claimed responsibility on Wednesday for attacks against security forces in North Sinai, according to a statement on Twitter.

The group said it had attacked more than 15 security sites, and had carried out three suicide attacks.

Army and police are currently chasing the attackers with ground and air forces, they said.