At least 30 soldiers killed in Egypt as militants launch wave of attacks

At least 30 Egyptian soldiers have been killed in a wave of simultaneous attacks unleashed by Islamist militants, military officials say. Security sources say 11 died when a car bomb exploded at a military post in North Sinai, one of at least six targeted along with a police station. Witnesses report hearing blasts in Sheikh Zuweid and Rafah, with many residents fleeing their homes over fears of grenades. Al Jazeera reported as many as 70 people were involved in the attacks.

If there is a death sentence, it will be carried out.

President Abdul Fattah El-Sissi

A Sinai-based insurgency has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers since the Egyptian army toppled Islamist president Mohamed Morsi after mass protests against his rule in 2013. The most active militant group in the region is Sinai Province, which has pledged allegiance to Islamic State. Earlier this week, Egypt’s top public prosecutor Hisham Barakat was assassinated in a car bomb attack on his convoy in Cairo, raising questions about the country’s ability to contain the insurgency. The latest attacks came after President Abdul Fattah El-Sissi, previously the nation’s army chief, warned at the funeral of the prosecutor those responsible would face swift justice.

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