By NewsGram Staff-Writer

Cairo: An Egyptian military official said on Thursday that at least 17 militants were killed and 62 more suspects have been arrested in a massive operation launched in the restive North Sinai province

"The forces also defused 53 explosive devices, burnt down 42 huts and dens of the terrorists, destroyed 16 vehicles and 13 motorbikes without plates, and ruined seven warehouses belonging to terrorist elements," Xinhua quoted Brigadier-General Mohamed Samir as saying.

The security operation, which reached its 11th day on Thursday, left hundreds of militants killed and a similar number of suspects arrested.

(With inputs from IANS)