Egypt retakes Bedouin flashpoint

Egyptian security forces say they have redeployed in large numbers in the Sinai desert after clashes with local Bedouin left several tribesmen dead.

The trouble began on Monday, after one man - who police say was a smuggler - was killed by police.

In the violence that followed, Bedouin attacked police checkpoints and took prisoner dozens of security personnel.

Three tribesmen were killed in the clashes but all the captured security men have been freed, police said.

"The Bedouin attacked a large number of checkpoints along 15 kilometres in Sinai on Tuesday... and the police have returned to their positions with armoured cars and reinforcements," an official said.

Reports say the unrest was concentrated on a section of the border 8-24km (5-15 miles) south of the Gaza Strip.

A delegation of Interior Ministry officials and high-ranking officers are reportedly due to hold talks with Bedouin leaders hoping to defuse tensions.

During Tuesday's clashes, the Bedouin looted checkpoints, taking furniture, doors and window frames and setting some checkpoints on fire.

In Rafah, half of which lies in the Gaza Strip and half of which is in Egypt, Bedouin opened fire at a police building, although there were no injuries.

Authorities in Cairo say the tribesmen operate a wide network of smuggling operations in the area.

The smugglers are accused of taking weapons and other goods into the Gaza Strip, as well as assisting African migrants across the border into Israel.