At least 50 people have been killed in a militant attack on security checkpoints in northern Sinai.

The attack, which took place across five checkpoints, saw 70 militants fire at security staff, according to a statement made by the Egyptian armed forces.

Initial reports said at least 50 people have been killed, including 22 attackers, more than 20 soldiers and one civilian.

Since the attack, Egypt’s armed forces have declared a state of war, according to an army statement.

There have also been reports of several bombs near the Rafah-Gaza border as Israel decides to close its borders with Egypt.

The Egyptian army has also released a statement saying it has deployed fighter jets over the Sinai Peninsula.

So far, the situation on the ground is unclear as conflicting reports come in. Isis-affiliated group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis has taken responsibility for the terrorist act.  

The attacks come a day after President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi announced the government will be applying a new security strategy to further crack down on Islamists.