This photo released by Egypt's Presidency shows Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi, center, meeting with officials in Cairo after militants attacked a crowded mosque during Friday prayers in the Sinai Peninsula AP
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has said that the pain felt by Egyptians as a result of a terror attack on a mosque in North Sinai will not go in vain, in his first official comment after at least 235 worshippers were killed in the attack on Friday.
In a statement, El-Sisi said that Egyptians will "derive hope and determination from such pain to triumph in the war against black terrorism," which the president said Egypt was undertaking with all power and honour.
The statement offered condolences to the families of the victims, stressing that the "vile and treacherous" activity will not pass without a decisive punishment and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
El-Sisi added that "black terrorism" would receive a defeat on Egyptian territory.
The statement comes after the president headed talks with his select security committee, which includes interior and defence ministers, as well as the heads of intelligence agencies.
According to state TV, the president is set to deliver a speech to the nation on Friday.
El-Sisi ordered EGP 200,000 and EGP 50,000 in compensations for the families of the dead and injured, respectively.
Earlier, Egypt's general prosecution said that at least 235 worshippers have been killed by gunmen who attacked the mosque, making the attack one of the deadliest targeting civilians in the country in recent years.
The statement said at least 109 people were injured in the attack that targeted Al-Rawdah mosque in Bir Al-Abed, 80km west of Arish city.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
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