CAIRO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian police killed at least 11 terrorists on Monday during a shootout in Arish city of restive North Sinai province northeast of the capital Cairo, a security source told Xinhua.
The source explained that police raided a deserted fuel station in Gesr el Wadi district of Arish where the militants hid and the fire exchange took place.
"The terrorists had planned to carry out attacks against the troops," the source added.
The militants included two of the most dangerous terrorist leaders Mohammed Shaheen and Gomaa Marshoud, official news agency MENA reported.
After receiving a tip-off, the troop broke into the place before the militants started shooting, the source added.
The police seized five machine guns, two shotguns, two explosive devices and ammunition in their possession.
Bordering Israel and the Gaza Strip, North Sinai province has been the center of terrorist attacks that killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers, as well as civilians, following the military ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests.
Most of the terror operations were carried out by Wilayat Sinai, the Islamic State affiliate in Egypt.
In February, Egypt started the comprehensive "Sinai 2018" anti-terror campaign that has killed over 330 militants and more than 30 soldiers so far.
