EL-ARISH, Egypt (AP) — Egyptian security officials say a suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into an army checkpoint in restive Sinai, close to the borders with the Gaza Strip and Israel, killing five soldiers and wounding 16.

The officials say the attack took place on Friday in the border area of Karm el-Qawadees in the Sinai Peninsula.

They say the death toll is expected to rise because the wounded were in serious condition. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media.

Egypt has seen a surge in attacks and suicide bombings by Islamic militants, especially in the northern Sinai region where they have their strongholds. An al-Qaida-inspired group called Ansar Beit al-Maqdis has claimed responsibility for most of the major attacks.