IS claims responsibility for Minya attack

CAIRO - 27 May 2017: The Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has claimed responsibility for Friday attack that targeted a bus in Upper Egypt's Minya, killing at least 29 Copts.

While on its way to St. Samuel Monastery in Minya governorate, south of Cairo, a bus carrying more than 50 Copts was intercepted by gunmen in three SUVs. A police hunt has been launched to apprehend the perpetrators and an urgent inquiry into the attack has been ordered.

The attack, which took place a day before the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, was widely condemned by world leaders. The UN Security Council held a minute's silence to pay tribute to the victims of the Minya attack. In a statement, the council denounced the "heinous and cowardly" terrorist attack.

Egypt's air forces carried out six intensive airstrikes on Derna, eastern Libya, targeting groups affiliated with the main center of the Shura Council for Mujahedin of Derna, believed to be responsible for the Minya attack.

Terrorists targeted in Derna suffered severe losses on both ammunition and casualties, Libyan Air Forces announced Friday in press statements.