CAIRO (AP) -- Egyptian officials say dozens of military and police armored vehicles have crossed into Sinai, beefing up the security presence in the volatile peninsula five days after suspected militants kidnapped six policemen and a border guard there.

Islamist President Mohammed Morsi said all options are open to free the seven men. Officials have said mediators were in touch with the captors.

Security officials said 17 military and more than 20 police armored vehicles were deployed in northern Sinai Monday as a response to the kidnapping. It was not clear if they were there as a prelude to a rescue attempt.

The officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak to the media.