The Egyptian army announced Monday the death of three of its forces during the massive military operation in northern and central Sinai, which has been ongoing since February 9. This announcement was the first regarding the casualties among its ranks. The Comprehensive Military Operation "Sinai 2018" is being carried out with the participation of a variety of army and police forces against "terrorist and criminal elements." Military Spokesman Tamer al-Rifai said on Monday “an army officer and two soldiers were killed and two other officers and a conscript were wounded in the fighting,” part of the sweep aiming to end a years-long ISIS insurgency. Four terrorists were also killed in armed clashes with army troops, Rifai said in an official statement, noting that the number of terrorists killed has amounted to about 67. Forces also arrested 417 wanted criminal elements, bringing the total number of detainees to more than 1,500. The statement said that “a number of suspects were released after taking all legal proceedings against them, and after it was proven that they are not involved in any cases.” The Egyptian army, with the help of the police, has waged a fierce battle in Sinai against ISIS-affiliated armed groups. President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi ordered the armed forces in November to root out militants within three months after an attack on a mosque in which more than 300 people were killed in the worst attack of its kind in Egypt. Sisi meanwhile made a surprise visit Monday to the Military Academy, during where he observed student training, said Bassam Radi, spokesman for the Egyptian presidency. He added in a short speech that the armed forces’ main mission is to preserve the country’s stability, and the people’s security. “The Army and Police forces’ duty is to secure the whole country, not just Sinai,” Sisi said.