Egypt officials: Islamic extremists kill 10 Sinai tribesmen

EL-ARISH, Egypt – Egyptian security officials say that Islamic extremists have ambushed tribesmen who were securing an area in the restive northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, killing 10.

The officials say the men from the Tarabin tribe were manning a checkpoint when the militants approached them in a vehicle and opened fire on Wednesday.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to reporters.

The incident is the latest escalation the area, where Egyptian forces have been battling a growing insurgency led by the Islamic State group, which has been in open conflict with the tribesmen.