‍Seven civilians, including two children, were killed after a car bomb detonated at a security checkpoint in the Sinai Peninsula on Monday, Reuters reported citing an army spokesman.

The military intercepted the vehicle at a checkpoint and ran it over with a tank in a bid to stop the explosion.

However, the bomb exploded after the tank had driven away and nearby civilians were caught in the blast.

Four gunmen were inside the vehicle, the army said.

Around 40 militants were killed during military raids, according to a statement by the country's armed forces.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

(With input from Reuters)