Formerly known as Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (Supporters of Jerusalem), group first appeared in September 2011
Changed name to Sinai Province and pledged allegiance to IS in November 2014
Intensified attacks since 2013 coup
Said it downed a Russian airliner over the Sinai in October 2015.
The IS statement said the fighters, who were reportedly wearing masks, seized light weapons from the policemen before they fled unharmed, the Associated Press news agency reports.
The statement said the attack was in revenge for Islamist women held in Egyptian jails.
The policemen, who were patrolling the area when the truck blocked their path, included a lieutenant and seven low-ranking officers, the interior ministry said.