Sisi Says Egypt More Determined in Terror Fight after Attacks

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has declared that a recent attack on police forces outside Cairo has not dented his government’s resolve in fighting terrorism.

“Egypt will continue its confrontation against terrorism and those financing and standing behind it, with strength, decisiveness and efficiency, until it’s curbed,” Sisi said during a special security meeting in Cairo on Sunday, a day after scores of police forces were killed in an ambush outside the capital, Press TV reported.

 Egypt is still in shock after the massive attack which began late Friday just 135 kilometers outside Cairo where police forces reportedly tried to raid a major terrorist hideout. Authorities said 16 police officers were killed in the ambush but security sources have put the death toll on more than 50. The confusion surrounding the incident and how it unfolded has sparked widespread criticism among the public.

No group has claimed responsibility for the high-profile attack.

A branch of Daesh, a Takfiri group which is losing its foothold in the Middle East, has launched numerous attacks against security forces and civilians across Egypt and in the restive Sinai Peninsula over the past years. Recent ambush on police took place near Egypt’s western desert region, where militants from neighboring Libya have carried out attacks in the past.

Sisi said in his Sunday meeting with top security officials, including defense and interior ministry representatives, that his government would try its best to secure Egypt’s borders and hunt down militants.

H.M