CAIRO, Sep 13 (Aswat Masriya) – North Sinai security forces killed 53 militants on the seventh day of the “martyr’s right” operation in al-Arish, Rafah and Sheikh Zuweid, said the military spokesman Sunday.

Security forces also arrested 52 suspects, Spokesman Mohamed Samir said in a statement.

He added that 80 suspects were released for their lack of involvement “in terrorist acts” against security forces.

Since the beginning of the operation on September 7, a total of 349 militants have been killed and 288 suspects arrested, according to previous statements by the spokesman.

North Sinai militants have stepped up attacks targeting security forces since the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July 2013 after mass protests against his rule.