Egypt: Terrorist Attacks in Sinai

Egypt: Ban, Security Council Condemn Deadly Terrorist Attacks in Sinai

25 October 2014 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations Security Council have strongly condemned two terrorist attacks that targeted military checkpoints in the Sinai Peninsula.

The attacks took place yesterday in Sheikh Zuweid and al-Arish in North Sinai, killing at least 31 members of the Egyptian security forces and injuring dozens more, noted astatement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson.

“The Secretary-General extends his deep condolences to the families of the victims and the Government of Egypt, and hopes for the quick and full recovery of the wounded,” it stated.

The 15-member Security Council issued a statement to the press, in which it condemned the attacks “in the strongest terms” and extended its condolences.

“The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed,” said the statement.

According to media reports, a three-month state of emergency has been declared in parts of the Sinai Peninsula and Egypt's Rafah crossing into the Gaza Strip has been closed.

ENDS

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