CAIRO — The Egyptian armed forces announced Aug. 30 that seven officers and soldiers were killed and wounded in confrontations and raids launched by the army on terrorist hiding places in Sinai between that day and July 22.

The statement said the armed forces were successful in targeting and destroying 317 shelters and stores of explosives material in the northern Sinai peninsula, in addition to destroying 19 four-wheel drive vehicles that were used by militants. The army also killed 77 militants and carried out several operations, killing two other individuals who were in possession of automatic rifles and explosive belts, in addition to confiscating quantities of ammunition of various calibers, explosives, a motorcycle and sums of money, according to the statement.

Tribal sources and witnesses in Sinai cited by nwafez.com on Aug. 28 said there were clashes between the Egyptian army and militants from the Islamic State-affiliated Wilayat Sinai in the city of Bir al-Abed. Several soldiers were killed and injured; there was no mention of their exact numbers.

The sources added that the Egyptian army forces, supported by warplanes, tried to advance toward the remaining areas under the control of Wilayat Sinai in the west of Bir al-Abed, which led to violent clashes between the two sides. The sources added that Wilayat Sinai militants destroyed an armored vehicle belonging to the army on the outskirts of Aqtiya village, which Wilayat Sinai is trying to regain control of after the army had retaken it.