In a statement, the ministry said its national security sector obtained information about a group of terrorists hiding in a mountainous area in North Sinai, adding they were planning to carry out a series of hostile operations against the armed forces and police.

The ministry noted that two "dangerous terrorists" were observed inside a white truck monitoring security checkpoints in the area, adding that they opened fire at police forces after being tightly surrounded.

The two were killed during the fire exchange, the ministry said.

Two automatic rifles, two explosive belts, a pistol, ammunitions, and a radio device were found in the truck.

Egypt has been plagued by terrorist attacks since 2013, most of which were claimed by a branch of the Islamic State militant group in North Sinai.

In response, Egypt has been engaged in a massive operation since February 2018 to uproot terrorism in North Sinai, killing at least 1,000 militants.