Summary Egypt is at the verge of civil war after elected president Muhammad Morsi was dethroned.
EL-ARISH, Egypt (AP) An Egyptian security official says helicopters have rocketed militant hideouts in the northern Sinai Peninsula.
The official said the two helicopter gunships fired 13 rockets after surprising militant gatherings on Tuesday in two locations, al-Muqataa and Touma, south of the town of Sheikh Zuweyid near the border with Gaza.
He said "dozens" of militants were killed and wounded but that fighting was still ongoing. He did not mention if there were yet any soldiers on the ground to assess the number of casualties.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity according to rules.
Attacks by militants surged in the lawless Sinai after the toppling of Egypt s President Mohammed Morsi in a July 3 coup.
