Death toll of Arish attack rises to 305, of which 27 children

CAIRO – 25 November 2017: Death toll of a terrorist attack that hit a mosque in Al-Arish, North Sinai, Friday, rose to 305, including 27 children and 128 more people were wounded, according to Attorney General Statement.

The Attorney General stated that a notification was received from from the North Sinai Security Directorate that the worshipers during Friday prayers found around 25 to 30 armed terrorists waving Islamic State (IS) terrorist group flag standing in front of the Al-Rawdah Mosque doors and opened fire on them after a bomb was detonated.

The terrorists arrived in five SUVs and set fire in seven cars that belonged to worshipers.

A group of prosecutors headed to Ismailia General Hospital, where the victims of the terror attack have been receiving treatment, to question them.

The terrorist elements were dressed in military uniforms, wearing faded trousers and black T-shirts, they said.

President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi held an urgent meeting following the attack to stand on its latest developments and issue directives to contain the situation.

President Sisi, in a TV statement, strongly condemned the abhorrent terrorist attack and mourned the victims while extending his condolences to their families.

He added that Egypt will respond to this attack in “brute force against that small band of extremist terrorist.”

The Egyptian leader further added that the “cowardly” attack reflects how much inhumane the perpetrators are, asserting that this will not pass without decisive punishment and that justice will be served against everyone who participated, contributed, supported, funded or incited this attack on worshipers.

The president affirmed that the pain that the Egyptian people are experiencing at this difficult time will not go in vain and that it will fuel their determination to succeed in the war against terrorism.