Cairo – Mubasher: Five army checkpoints in Sinai were simultaneously attacked Wednesday morning, announced Egypt’s defense ministry in a statement.

The army exchange fire with the attackers, killing 22 and destroying 3 vehicles. Ten army soldiers were martyred, the statement added.

Preliminary estimates show that the number of terrorists is estimated at 70.

Media reports earlier today quoted unnamed sources as saying 20 army soldiers were killed and more than 40 injured in the attacks.