Four Egyptian policemen gunned down in restive Sinai region

Egyptian officials say four policemen were killed in an ambush in the north of the country's Sinai Peninsula, the latest killings in Egypt's most restless region.

The policemen were travelling to the town of al-Arish when they were attacked by gunmen early on Wednesday, security officials said.

The assailants killed one officer, a low-ranking policeman and two conscripts.

The officials, who spoke to the Associated Press, gave the information on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to brief reporters.

In recent years, Egypt has battled a militant Islamist insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula that has claimed the lived of hundreds of security and military personnel.

The Islamic State group also operates in the area through affiliated militant outfits.

Last month, seven civilians, including two children, were killed when a car bomb exploded near a military checkpoint in North Sinai.

The attack followed the recent arrests of dozens of suspected militants in the region.

Egypt's regime has also unleashed a brutal military campaign against smugglers in the Sinai, which has drove some tribes to militancy.

The regime has also arrested thousands of suspected government opponents, fueling further anger against the regime.