US State Department offers condolences following Arish attack that killed 18

Ahram Online , Tuesday 12 Sep 2017

Sinai
File Photo: Egyptian army soldiers stand guard in northern Sinai (Reuters)

The US State Department issued a statement on Monday offering condolences in the wake of a terrorist attack in North Sinai on Monday that killed at least 18 people.

"We express our profound condolences to the families and friends of the victims and our wishes for a speedy recovery for those hurt in the attack," the statement said.

Militants struck a police convoy near the city of Arish in North Sinai on Monday, killing at least 18 policemen and wounding several more.

The State Department condemned the attack, also stressing its support for Egypt in the battle against terrorism.

"We will continue to stand with Egypt as it confronts the threat from terrorism," the statement concluded.

Late on Monday, anonymous sources told Al-Ahram Arabic's correspondent in Arish, Hanaa El-Tabarani, that the death toll had risen from 15 to 18, with five injured.

According to anonymous security sources quoted by Al-Ahram, militants remotely detonated an IED that destroyed three armoured vehicles in a convoy 17km from Arish. Militants also attacked the convoy by driving into it with a car primed to explode, Al-Ahram reported.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack, issuing a statement through it's AMAQ media agency.

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