Clashes erupt between tribes and IS group in Sinai

Egyptian officials say three people injured as terror group launches RPG attacks in response to kidnapping of three of its members

EL-ARISH, Egypt — Egyptian security officials say three people have been injured in clashes between militants and local tribes in the Sinai peninsula.

The officials told The Associated Press Monday that members of the Islamic State group launched RPG attacks Sunday in response to the kidnapping of three of its members by local tribes.

According to tribal sources, the unrest started when IS militants shot at a truck smuggling cigarettes into the area, where they impose a strict version of Islamic law that prohibits the sale of tobacco. The area around the city of Rafah is at the heart of an ongoing battle between militants and security forces.

The official sources spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to brief the media. The tribal sources requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.