A total of eight policemen were killed in Wednesday's attack on a checkpoint, claimed by the Islamic State terrorist group, in southwest of al-Arish city, the capital of North Sinai.

"Police received reports that a group of militants were hiding in a residential building in Abou Eittah area, south of al-Arish," the ministry said, adding that sweep operations were ongoing in the area.

After being surrounded, "the militants opened heavy fire at the security forces, who responded by killing four suspected terrorists," it said.

The ministry added that three automatic rifles and an explosive were seized.

The number of militants killed has raised to 31 since the Wednesday's attack.

In February 2018, the army launched a nationwide operation against the militants focused mainly on the North Sinai. At least 700 militants and 50 security men have been killed since the start of the operation.