The Official Gazette published a decree by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on renewing the state of emergency in some areas in North Sinai for three months as of today, January 24.

The curfew covers Tal Rafah in the eastern part of North Sinai to the international border at Rafah, and from Halal Mountain to  Auga on the border.

The curfew is in effect from 7pm until 6am (local time), except in El Arish city and on the international road, where it runs from 1am to 5am, or until further notice.

The curfew will continue as long as the state of emergency is still in effect, according to the decree.

Egypt's security forces have been fighting terrorists based in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula since 2013.

A state of emergency was declared in North Sinai in 2014.

A nationwide state of emergency was imposed in April 2017 after two church bombings killed 47 people in Alexandria and Tanta. It has been renewed since for periods not exceeding three months, in accordance with the Egyptian constitution.

MENA