Egypt’s Central Security Forces (CEF) thwarted a suicide bomb attack on security checkpoint in Arish city, North Sinai, announced the interior ministry on Monday. The attack attempted to target the “Batal 5” checkpoint in Arish. The suicide bomber, who was wearing an explosive belt, was killed before he could detonate his explosives. The ministry did not disclose the date of the failed attack and whether there were any other casualties. Soon after, the security forces combed the area around the checkpoint. Security leaderships in Sinai emphasized vigilance around the clock in search for terrorist elements. Egypt launched Operation Sinai 2018 in February to target "terrorist and criminal elements and organizations" in northern and central Sinai, as well as parts of the Nile Delta and the Western Desert. Separately, the North Sinai governorate announced Monday that it was paying new compensation to “fishermen, drivers and undocumented workers, who were affected by the war on terror.” The Governorate’s statement estimated their numbers at more than 450 workers. "I am among the workers who have been affected by the events in the region and the closure of gas stations months ago," Mohammed Abdelkader, a taxi driver in Arish city, told Asharq Al-Awsat. Abdelkader, a father of three children, said that he used to work as a taxi driver in Arish. However, his work almost came to a stop between February and May, he stressed, adding that the Ministry of Social Solidarity started paying him urgent compensation. “During the past two months, we have seen a relative improvement in the situation after the opening of gas stations, albeit it was provided in limited quantities,” he said. In May, North Sinai announced that emergency relief allowances will be given for those affected by the war on terror in North Sinai. It said that the North Sinai Relief Fund will give out 500 Egyptian pounds (about $28).