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Seven Egypt security force hostages 'freed' in Sinai Seven Egypt security force hostages freed in Sinai
(about 3 hours later)
Seven members of the Egyptian security forces abducted in the Sinai peninsula have been freed, officials say.Seven members of the Egyptian security forces abducted in the Sinai peninsula have been freed, officials say.
The men were seized while travelling in minibuses in northern Sinai, east of the city of El Arish.The men were seized while travelling in minibuses in northern Sinai, east of the city of El Arish.
On his Facebook page, the army's official spokesman said the release was due to "the efforts of military intelligence" and local tribal elders.On his Facebook page, the army's official spokesman said the release was due to "the efforts of military intelligence" and local tribal elders.
The peninsula has become increasingly lawless since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in 2011.The peninsula has become increasingly lawless since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in 2011.
Army spokesman Col Ahmed Ali said the seven men were on their way to Cairo.Army spokesman Col Ahmed Ali said the seven men were on their way to Cairo.
Crossings closed
Egyptian troops had launched a sweep of north Sinai on Tuesday.Egyptian troops had launched a sweep of north Sinai on Tuesday.
On Monday, President Mohammed Morsi had ruled out negotiating with the captors, saying there was "no room for dialogue with the criminals".On Monday, President Mohammed Morsi had ruled out negotiating with the captors, saying there was "no room for dialogue with the criminals".
The abductions had prompted angry police to shut down border crossings with Gaza and Israel until the hostages were released.The abductions had prompted angry police to shut down border crossings with Gaza and Israel until the hostages were released.
It is expected that the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza will be reopened on Wednesday.
While the identity of their captors is unclear, reports had suggested they were jihadist militants.While the identity of their captors is unclear, reports had suggested they were jihadist militants.
Islamist militants in northern Sinai have used the lack of central authority to carry out attacks across the border into Israel.Islamist militants in northern Sinai have used the lack of central authority to carry out attacks across the border into Israel.
There have been several incidents in which Western tourists and other foreigners have been kidnapped in the peninsula.There have been several incidents in which Western tourists and other foreigners have been kidnapped in the peninsula.
Egyptian Bedouins have used hostage-taking to press for the release of jailed tribesmen they say have been sentenced unfairly on charges ranging from terrorism to drug dealing.Egyptian Bedouins have used hostage-taking to press for the release of jailed tribesmen they say have been sentenced unfairly on charges ranging from terrorism to drug dealing.