Egypt says airstrikes kill militants, destroy vehicles

CAIRO – Egypt's military destroyed three vehicles loaded with weapons, ammunition and explosives, and killed a "large number" of militants in the western desert, a military spokesman said Tuesday.

Col. Tamer el-Rifai said in a statement that those targeted are suspected of having been involved in an ambush on police nearly two weeks ago about 135 kilometers (84 miles) southwest of Cairo. The Interior Ministry said 16 police were killed in the attack.

El-Rifai said the airstrikes took place in a rugged area some 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Cairo. He said the scene was still being assessed and a casualty count was incomplete.