Egypt's military spokesman says troops have killed 10 militants near the Bahriyah Oasis in the country's western desert an area where Egyptian forces earlier this month mistakenly attacked a group of Mexican tourists, killing 12 people.
Brig Gen Mohammed Samir says in comments on his Facebook page that the operation took place on Monday and involved the air force and special anti-terrorism forces. He also says a wounded militant was arrested and several four-wheel drives and weapons were destroyed.
Samir says the troops moved after receiving information that the "terrorists were preparing to infiltrate" several provinces during the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha for "attacks on vital institutions and foreign interests."
Egypt has launched an investigation into the attack on the tourist group in which eight Mexicans died.
