CAIRO, Feb 19 (Aswat Masriya) - A conscript was killed and a police officer was injured when unidentified gunmen shot at a security patrol in Suez late Wednesday, reported state-run news agency MENA.

The patrol was securing the Suez-Ismailia road, reported MENA, citing a police source. 

The conscript was driving a police car at the time of the shooting. He was shot in the head, reported MENA. The injured policeman was transferred to the Suez General Hospital.

Militancy has surged in Egypt since military ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July 2013 following mass protests against his rule, with the Sinai Peninsula being the most heavily affected part of the country. Attacks have also taken place in other parts, including Cairo.