Philip Hammond condemns Egypt bombing

FOREIGN SECRETARY Philip Hammond has condemned a bombing in Egypt which is thought to have killed at least 26 soldiers.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, far left, and other officials follow a soldier carrying medals of troops killed in Friday's assault in the Sinai Peninsula. Picture: APEgyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, far left, and other officials follow a soldier carrying medals of troops killed in Friday's assault in the Sinai Peninsula. Picture: AP
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, far left, and other officials follow a soldier carrying medals of troops killed in Friday's assault in the Sinai Peninsula. Picture: AP

Mr Hammond said Britain would stand by the Cairo government in the wake of the terrorist attack at a checkpoint in the town of El Arish.

It is the latest bloodshed as the army fights a campaign against Sinai-based militants. The area has become increasingly restive since 2011, when president Hosni Mubarak was overthrown.

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Mr Hammond said: “I strongly condemn today’s terrorist attack in North Sinai, which has led to such a tragic loss of life. “My thoughts are with the victims and their families at this difficult time.

“We stand with the Egyptian government in their fight against terrorism. There can never be a justification for such actions.

“I will be offering my personal condolences to foreign minister Sameh Shukri when we meet on Monday in London and look forward to discussing practical cooperation to tackle terrorism during our talks.”

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