Islamic State affiliate in Egypt, "Sinai Province", claims it fired rockets that exploded inside Israeli territory

Jihadists led by Isil have killed scores of troops, challenging President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's efforts to restore security and economic stability.

On Wednesday, Egypt's military deployed F-16 warplanes to bombard Isil fighters who battled troops in a North Sinai town after launching a surprise dawn attack on army checkpoints.

Dozens were killed in what was Isil's boldest attack yet in the Sinai, with militants taking over rooftops and firing rockets at troops.

Incidents along the Israel-Egypt border are rare.

At the end of last year, two Israeli soldiers were wounded by gunshots and an anti-tank missile fired at their car from the Sinai.

The most serious incident was in August 2011, when gunmen infiltrated southern Israel and staged a series of ambushes that killed eight Israelis.

Israel has a 150 mile border with the Sinai, which is mainly populated by Bedouins who have troubled ties with the Cairo government.

Source: The Telegraph