CAIRO, Aug 16 (Aswat Masriya) - Supreme state security prosecution referred 116 defendants accused of being in connection with Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq, to military prosecution.

The defendants faced charges of establishing and managing a “terrorist group” against the law, disrupting the provisions of the constitution and preventing state institutions from carrying out their work, reported Al-Ahram.

According to the investigation results, the defendants had in their possessions publications and leaflets that “incite against state institutions”, planning to overthrow the government, possession of weapons and explosives and attempted murder.

Egypt listed the Islamic State group and their affiliates a“terrorist organisation” as per a court ruling in November 2014.

Islamic State fighters have controlled large areas of Iraq and Syria recently, killing hundreds of civilians. The group has also a presence in Libya and in Egypt’s North Sinai.

Sinai-based militant group known as Sinai Province pledged allegiance to Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria in November 2014, making Sinai one of the many territories in the region where the militant group has a foothold.