US President Condemns Killing of Egyptian Christians
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, condemned the massacre of Egyptian Christians on Friday in a statement, calling for the punishment of their killers. Meanwhile, Egyptian fighter jets have also targeted “terrorist camps” in retaliation for the attack.
A minibus carrying Christian pilgrims came under attack by armed individuals near Cairo on Friday. At least 28 people were killed and several others wounded in the attack.
According to the White House report, Donald Trump said in a statement in response to the massacre: “Terrorists are waging war on civilization, and it is now up to us and everyone who values life to confront and defeat these evils.”
The US President added: “The killing of Egyptian Christians strengthens our resolve to unite nations in the fight to destroy these evil terrorist organizations and expose the depravity and criminality of their ideologies.”
Donald Trump emphasized: “America makes very clear and explicit to its friends, allies, and partners that historic and invaluable Christian communities must be defended and protected. The shedding of Christian blood must stop, and those who have aided in the killing of Christians must be punished.”
Reuters also reports that Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the President of Egypt, ordered attacks on “terrorist bases” on Friday.
According to the report, Egyptian fighter jets targeted bases of extremist Islamist groups in eastern Libya.
A military source also told Reuters: “Egyptian fighter jets conducted at least six strikes near the Libyan city of Derna, which resulted in at least 29 deaths and 24 wounded.”
This comes as Abdel Fattah al-Sisi asked Donald Trump in a television program to make the global fight against terrorism a top priority.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The massacre of Egyptian Christians sparked an international wave of condemnation. Pope Francis, the leader of Catholics worldwide, expressed condolences in a message to the families of victims of the attack.
According to Reuters, Coptic Christians make up 10 percent of Egypt’s population of 92 million.
This religious minority has been targeted by deadly attacks in recent months, including April when the Islamic State group, ISIS, carried out bombings in their churches, killing dozens.
Source: Radio Farda
