The Egyptian security forces on Tuesday seized weapons and explosives smuggled in northern Sinai near the country's border with the Gaza Strip, the official MENA news agency reported.

The security forces seized automatic weapons, 71 rounds of ammunition and four bags containing 250 kg TNT in Rafah as the arms were to be smuggled into the Gaza Strip, MENA quoted a police officer as saying on condition of anonymity.

The Egyptian troops were searching the area for three suspects who escaped following a police chase, the report added.

Separately, more than one ton of explosives were uncovered in northern Sinai on Friday and at least four people involved in smuggling weapons and ammunition have recently been arrested by the security agencies.

Egypt has been repeatedly asked by Israel to take more effective action on its border area with Gaza to stop cross-border arms smuggling to the militant groups in Gaza Strip.

Source: Xinhua