Egypt military helicopters killed 8 militants and wounded 15 others in intensive air strikes in the Sinai Peninsula, said security forces.
The strikes hit four Islamist positions south of Rafah and targeted militants using the Rafah area as a hideout.
The operation began at around 9:00 AM (0700 GMT). At least four helicopters were used dropping around 15 bombs on several houses where militants had been hiding south of Rafah border. Security forces said the rockets targetted weapons depots.
Egyptian security forces have announced the arrest of two members of the Mujahideen Shura Council on Tuesday, a group closely linked to Al-Qaeda.
Ever since Islamist president Mohammad Morsi was ousted on July 3, this restive region has turned into a battlefield for clashes between militants and security forces.
Militants have launched frequent attacks on police and armed forces in Sinai, most notably on August 19 on which they killed 25 Egyptian police who were heading towards the town of Rafah.