Egypt's security forces foiled a suicide attack in North Sinai Province, the Egyptian Interior Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

"The security men at a police checkpoint in Al-Teloul district frustrated an attempt by a terrorist before detonating an explosive belt," the statement said.

The militant was killed in a shootout, it added, noting that two grenades, an automatic weapon, and 112 bullets were found in his possession.

Egypt has been battling anti-security forces attacks in North Sinai for several years.

The country launched a comprehensive operation in 2018 to uproot terrorist and criminal elements and organizations in northern and central Sinai. Hundreds of terrorists have been killed in the intensive campaign.