Egyptian security services in North Sinai say they have identified those responsible for attacking a police station in Arish last Friday, and allege the involvement of the Army of Islam, a Palestinian group, in instigating the attack.

The information was leaked to the press by an unidentified Egyptian security source.

Meanwhile, the North Sinai Security Directorate has completed a plan to secure the region, to be implemented by special forces within a month, aiming to purge the governorate of all criminal and armed elements, as well as religious groups, which are estimated to comprise more than 1300 members.

The source also said the police would seek the help of the armed forces, as the militants are armed with heavy weapons.