Egypt's army vowed Monday to "avenge" the killing of 16 troops by gunmen near the Israeli border and President Mohamed Morsi won US backing as he ordered his security forces to take full control of the Sinai.

"We swear in the name of God to avenge them," the Egyptian army said. "Anyone liaising with these groups that have attacked our troops in the Sinai in recent months will pay dearly, be it inside Egypt or abroad."

In Sunday's attack, 35 gunmen in Bedouin clothing opened fire on the troops before crossing into the Jewish state in an armoured vehicle, Egyptian officials said.

Israel yesterday returned to Egypt the bodies of gunmen involved in the attack and Egypt held State funeral for the dead.