CAIRO: Egyptian troops have killed 14 militants in shoot-outs in the restive Sinai Peninsula, scene of an insurgency since the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi, the army said Sunday.
It said 47 people were arrested in the clashes on Saturday that state news agency MENA said broke out near Sheikh Zuwaid in north Sinai.
Also on Saturday, four children were killed when a mortar round crashed into their home in El-Joura, a suspected bastion of militants.
Officials said the mortar attack apparently targeted soldiers and police combing the area for militants who had shot dead two senior officers.
Militant attacks have surged since the army overthrew Morsi in July 2013 and cracked down on his supporters.
At least 1,400 people have been killed in the crackdown.
The militant attacks usually target security personnel, but they have also led to civilian casualties.
The military has poured armour and soldiers into the peninsula to quell the militants, who have also struck Cairo and other cities using car bombs.
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