An Egyptian naval patrol was today attacked by at least three speedboats near one of the country's Mediterranean ports, leading to an exchange of fire.
Gunemen on the speedboats opened fire on the naval patrol unit when they were undertaking an exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, 400 miles north of Damietta Harbor, state TV reported.
A fire broke out on the naval unit's boat as a result of the firefight. No injuries was reoprted.
The report said that Egyptian Forces were immediately deployed at the site to rescue the naval unit. The forces destroyed three speed boats and arrested 20 attackers.
The report did not identify the attackers.
Troops increasingly have come under attack from militants since the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi last year. Though it was reportedly the first attack at sea.
Over 500 security personnel have been reportedly killed in attacks by militants.
