CAIRO, Dec 22 (Aswat Masriya) - The Second Field Army has killed four Takfiris after a shootout with them during a crackdown in North Sinai, said Egypt’s army spokesman on Sunday.

The crackdown resulted in the demolition of a bricks factory owned by one of the extremely dangerous Takfiri elements and 17 huts belonging to Takfiris, Muslims who accuses other Muslims of apostasy.

Four others believed to be part of Takfiri and terrorist groups were arrested, the spokesman said in a statement.

The crackdown targeted a number of Takfiri elements and leaders of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdes (Supporters of Jerusalem) group South of Rafah, a military source said.

One of the four Takfiris who were killed today is a leading member of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdes, the source added.

Egypt’s army, in cooperation with the police, has launched a series of crackdowns in Sinai to arrest hardline Islamists after the latter had turned to targeting security forces since the ouster of former President Mohamed Mursi.