Egyptian Army Soldiers (file photo).
Cairo — Seven members of the Egyptian security forces have been abducted by unidentified kidnappers in the Sinai peninsula, Egyptian officials say.
Three policemen and four soldiers were travelling in minibuses in northern Sinai, east of the city of Arish, before they were seized.
It is reported that local Bedouin tribal leaders have been asked to mediate.
The kidnappers are reportedly claiming the release of jailed relatives.
The defence and interior ministers have been summoned by Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi to discuss the situation.
Sinai has become increasingly lawless since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in 2011.