Two Egyptian security officials were killed during a raid Wednesday in their attempt to uncover a jihadist hideout north of Cairo, according to Agence France Presse.
The early morning raid targeted what has been described as a jihadist cell affiliated with the Al Qaeda inspired Ansar Beit Al Maqdis group, the latter who was claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on security officials and even tourists in the restive Sinai peninsula as well as in other areas throughout the country.
The raid led to an hours-long shoothout between jihadists and security officials, leaving an Egyptian army brigadier general, a colonel and five jihadists dead.
The jihadist cell was located in the town of Al Qanatir Al Khayriya, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Cairo. Military sources said a "large quantity of explosives" was found in the hideout.
The group was suspected of last Saturday's military checkpoint attack that left six soldier dead as well as the assassination of the deputy interior minister in Cairo in January.
