President el-Sisi hails ‘martyrs’ who lay down lives for Egypt

Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi travelled to the troubled northern part of the Sinai Peninsula to inspect troops on Saturday, after Islamic State-linked militants struck a deadly blow against the military this week in a coordinated assault. Wearing his old uniform, the general-turned politician met members of the army and police, an official from his office said. The army said 17 soldiers and over 100 militants were killed in Wednesday’s brazen attack in Sinai, although before the release of its official statement, several senior security officials from multiple branches of Egypt’s forces in the area had said that dozens more troops also died in the fighting.

I have come to salute the heroes of the armed forces and to express to them my recognition.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

Earlier, an Islamic State group affiliate claimed responsibility for the Sinai assault also said it had fired three Grad rockets at Israel a day earlier. In a statement posted on its Twitter account, the group which calls itself the Sinai Province of the Islamic State group said it fired the rockets because Israel was supporting the Egyptian regime. It also claimed Israeli aircraft had joined Egyptian warplanes in bombing its fighters. Israel’s military said the rocket was fired into southern Israel Friday afternoon, hitting an open field but causing no damage or injuries.

I salute every home, every mother whose child has died a martyr or been wounded for Egypt.

President el-Sisi

Middle East Egypt president