At least 235 killed in Egypt mosque attack

At least 235 people were killed and dozens more injured after suspected militants targeted a mosque in Egypt's north Sinai with a bomb and gunfire, according to reports.


Eyewitnesses reported ambulances ferrying casualties from the scene to nearby hospitals after the attack on Al Rawdah mosque in Bir al-Abed, west of Arish city.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi convened an emergency security meeting soon after the attack, state television reported.

In a televised speech, he pledged to respond with "brutal force" against the attackers and restore security and stability.

No group claimed immediate responsibility, but since 2014 Egyptian security forces have battled a stubborn Islamic State affiliate in the north of the mainly desert Sinai, where militants have killed hundreds of police and soldiers.

It has also killed civilians accused of working with the authorities, in attacks in the north of the Sinai peninsula.

They have also targeted followers of the mystical Sufi branch of Sunni Islam as well as Christians.
 [rte.ie]
 24/11/17