Three Egyptian army soldiers were injured early Thursday in an attack on a checkpoint in the canal province of Port Said, security sources said.

Masked attackers riding a motorbike opened fire at the soldiers manning al-Gameel customs point, west of Port Said, the sources said.

The attackers turned tail after shooting at the soldiers.  

The injured soldiers were taken to the Port Said Military Hospital to receive treatment.

A joint police and army force has launched a manhunt for the attackers.

There was no comment from security authorities on the attack.

Three people, including two policemen and a civilian, had been injured in an attack in Port Said on Saturday.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Sobhi Sedki visited Port Said on Wednesday to check on security measures aimed at securing the Suez Canal, a vital international waterway, during celebrations marking the 1973 military victory over Israel.

Egypt has been in the throes of turmoil since the military deposed democratically-elected president Mohamed Morsi after mass protests against his presidency.