US condemns terrorist attack on Egyptian soldiers in North Sinai

CAORP - 1 May 2020: U.S. Ambassador to Cairo Jonathan Cohen on Friday condemns the terrorist attack in North Sinai's Bi'r al-Abd city, which caused the death or the injury of eight army soldiers and two officers,

"The United States strongly condemns the April 30 attack in North Sinai on Egyptian soldiers. This attack is especially despicable as it comes during the holy month of Ramadan," he said in a statement.

"We express our condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The United States continues to stand with the Egyptian government and people in the fight against terrorism," Ambassador Jonathan Cohen added.

Egyptian Military spokesman Tamer Al-Rifae announced on Thursday the death and injuring of ten military personnel, without mentioning the exact number of deaths.

The terrorist attack was condemned by a number of Arab and European countries who affirmed their full support for Egypt against terrorism.

On March 16, the Egyptian Ministry of Interior announced killing Six terrorists in Abu Shilla city, North Sinai. On February 11, 2020, 17 terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with police forces in Obeidat district in Arish, North Sinai, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Egypt has been countering terrorism and extremism ideologies over the past years since the ouster of late Muslim Brotherhood President Mohamed Morsi. Several operations have been taking place in Sinai against terrorists, as many Egyptian officers and soldiers have martyred in the battle.

Egypt’s army has also been playing a vital role during the critical timing of the new Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, as many streets and buildings have been sterilized, along with distributing free face masks to passengers and citizens in common places of gatherings advising them to use it in public places to avoid the emerging virus.