Cairo (CNN) -- The Egyptian army and police are cracking down in an "anti-terror" operation in the Sinai area of Egypt, state-owned media reported on Tuesday, as reports emerge of Osama bin Laden's doctor surfacing in the area. Police said they found hand grenades, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition in the operation that targets Sinai "terror cells" suspected in attacks on a gas pipeline to Israel and a police station in the border town of el-Arish. One person was killed and 12 were arrested on Monday, the first day of the operation, said Hazem al-Maadawi, a police officer involved in the offensive.
@highlight
NEW: Israel's Netanyahu says terrorists are meddling in Sinai
@highlight
Official: Witnesses report seeing bin Laden's doctor in Sinai
@highlight
Authorities are conducting an "anti-terror" operation in the same area
@highlight
General: "Al Qaeda is present in Sinai"
"This operation serves the interest of @placeholder too and ensures the safety of its borders," he added.