EL-ARISH, Egypt — Egyptian security officials say suspected militants have ambushed two police minibuses in northern Sinai, firing rocket-propelled grenades and killing 24 policemen.

The officials say the Monday morning attack took place as the two vehicles were driving through a village near the border town of Rafah in the volatile Sinai Peninsula.

They say the attack also left three policemen wounded. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Sinai has been witnessing almost daily attacks by suspected militants since the July 3 ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in a military coup.

The strategic region borders the Gaza Strip and Israel.