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Anti-arms trade have slammed the potential sale of $2.6 billion in US military equipment to Egypt.

The US State Department on Thursday approved Egypt's planned purchase ofÌýÌýCH-47F and other related equipment, according to the Pentagon.

Dr. Sam Perlo-Freeman, research coordinator at the (CAAT), flaggedÌýthe Egyptian military's human rights abuses in the Sinai, where an Islamic State group insurgency has been brewing, and other human rights abuses.

"Egypt's military dictatorship practices brutal repression against political opponents, journalists, and human rights defenders, including torture, arbitrary detention in horrific conditions, and disappearances," Perlo-Freeman told °®Âþµº.

"ItsÌýmilitary campaign in the Sinai has involved widespread abuses and killing of civilians. Arming Egypt directly aids and abets these abuses, while strengthening and legitimising this brutal regime."

Campaigners have called for the sale of weapons to Egypt to be conditional on Cairo vastly improving itsÌýhuman rights record.

Egypt has been accused by human rights defenders of extrajudicial killings, torture, and using child soldiers in its counter-insurgency campaign in the Sinai.

It has also detained thousands of pro-democracy activists, including Alaa Abdel-Fattah who is .

Last week, the US approved the in anti-tank missiles and other related equipment.

Egypt maintains one of the Middle East's largest standing armies despite suffering a devastating economic crisis that hasÌýhitÌýpoor Egyptians hardest.