Egyptian troops have killed at least 10 people and injured 20 others during a major military offensive against militants in the troubled Sinai Peninsula, security sources say.

The casualties come after at least six army helicopters targeted militant hideouts in North Sinai Peninsula on Saturday.

Egyptian security officials say fierce clashes are still underway in at least 12 villages in Sheikh Zuwaid area which borders both Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, a column of armored vehicles and trucks have surrounded several strongholds of militants across the volatile region.

The Sinai has long been considered a safe haven for militants who use the region as a base for terror activities. In recent months, the remote desert region has been the scene of growing violence and militant attacks on security forces.

On August 19, militants ambushed a police convoy in the northern region of Sinai. At least 25 policemen were killed in the attack, which took place close to the town of Rafah on the Gaza border. It was one of the deadliest attacks on security forces in decades.

In August 2012, sixteen Egyptian soldiers were killed in an attack on a police station near the border with Gaza.

In response, Cairo launched an offensive against terrorists in Sinai, sending thousands of troops backed by tanks and heavy equipment into the region.