In Egypt, security forces have killed 14 Islamist militants in an exchange of fire in the country's turbulent northern Sinai region.<br />''<br />''The interior ministry in a statement today said the militants were under surveillance ahead of security forces raiding their hideout in the town of El-Arish.<br />''<br />''An exchange of fire lasting several hours killed eight militants, the ministry said without detailing when the raid took place. The other six attempted to flee but were killed in a police chase. <br />''<br />''Egypt has been battling an insurgency in North Sinai for years, which upsurged following the 2013 military ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.<br />''<br />