Egyptian security forces are pushing ahead with their mop-up operations against militants in the troubled Sinai Peninsula.

According to an unnamed military official, the operations were carried out by army troops in the restive peninsula, including the villages of al-Toma, al-Moqataaa and al-Mahdeya, south of Sheikh Zuwayed area, on Thursday.

The troops also destroyed several militant hideouts during their operations and confiscated large quantities of weapons, the official added.

Reports say that nine militants were arrested by Egyptian security forces.

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 September 16, a roadside bomb planted by militants in the peninsula injured at least nine police cadets.

According to security sources, the remote-controlled bomb exploded on the outskirts of el-Arish near a bus full of police conscripts.

The bus was traveling from the town of Rafah, near the Gaza border, to the coastal city escorted by an armored police car.

Since the ouster of former Egyptian president, Mohamed Morsi, on July 3, militant groups have launched almost daily attacks in Sinai, killing members of the security forces. In response, Cairo has launched offensives against the militants, sending thousands of troops backed by tanks and heavy equipment into the region.