CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s military said its forces on Friday killed a prominent Islamic militant in the Sinai Peninsula, part of a campaign against extremist groups that have carried out a string of attacks, bombings and assassinations on police and soldiers extending to the capital.

Col. Ahmed Ali, a military spokesman, identified the slain militant as Nour Hamdeen, calling him “one of the most prominent, dangerous extremists.” Security officials said Hamdeen belonged to Ansar Beit al-Muqdis, Arabic for Champions of Jerusalem, the al-Qaida-inspired group that has claimed responsibility for the biggest attacks of recent months. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press.