Egyptian security forces destroyed a number of underground tunnels in Sinai running from Egypt to the Gaza Strip on Saturday (August 24).

The move comes days after suspected Islamist militants killed 24 off-duty soldiers.

The number of attacks on security forces in the lawless desert region has jumped since the military deposed former President Mohamed Mursi.

In a similar crackdown on tunnels last month, the United Nations said around 80 percent of the tunnels had been demolished.

The tunnels act as a lifeline for people living in Gaza, providing goods such as fuel and food.

Israel still maintains strict control of all imports into Gaza to prevent arms reaching Hamas, which refuses to recognise the Jewish state and has often clashed with it.

Under international accords, merchandise cannot be imported via Egypt.