America stands with Egypt to defeat this common enemy: Trump

CAIRO – 26 May 2017: In a harshly worded statement, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement on Friday condemning the attack that targeted a bus carrying more than 50 Christians on Friday in Minya, Upper Egypt, killing 28 and injuring at least 25, including children.

“Terrorists are engaged in a war against civilization, and it is up to all who value life to confront and defeat this evil,” Trump said. “This merciless slaughter of Christians in Egypt tears at our hearts and grieves our souls,” he added.

Trump has been repeatedly warning foreign allies against the dangers of terrorism. He has urged greater cooperation from Nato allies battling extremism in countries.

“The bloodletting of Christians must end, and all who aid their killers must be punished,” the statement added.

Trump further stressed that America stands with President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi and all the Egyptian people to “defeat this common enemy”.

“Civilization is at a precipice—and whether we climb or fall will be decided by our ability to join together to protect all faiths, all religions, and all innocent life. No matter what, America will do what it must to protect its people.”

In April 2017, at least 45 people were killed, while more than 100 were wounded, in two separate suicide bomb attacks on churches in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria during Palm Sunday ceremonies.

The attacks were claimed by the Islamic State (IS). Following the Palm Sunday bombings, a nationwide three-month state of emergency was declared by President Sisi.