US President condemns killing of Egyptian Christians
US President Donald Trump condemned the killing of Egyptian Christians in a statement on Friday and called for the punishment of their killers. Meanwhile, Egyptian fighter jets have targeted "terrorist camps" in retaliation for the attack.
A minibus carrying Christian pilgrims was attacked by gunmen near Cairo on Friday, killing at least 28 people and wounding dozens more.
According to the White House, Donald Trump said in a statement in response to the massacre: "Terrorists are at war with civilization, and now it is up to us and all who value life to confront and defeat these evils."
The US President added: "The massacre of Egyptian Christians strengthens our resolve to unite nations in the fight to destroy these evil terrorist organizations and expose their corrupt and criminal ideologies."
Donald Trump has stated: "The United States is making it very clear to our friends, allies, and partners that the historic and valuable Christian communities must be defended and protected. The shedding of Christian blood must stop, and those who have helped to kill Christians must be punished."
Reuters also says that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ordered attacks on "terrorist bases" on Friday.
According to this report, Egyptian fighter jets have targeted the bases of extremist Islamist groups in eastern Libya.
A military source also told Reuters: Egyptian warplanes carried out at least six attacks near the Libyan city of Derna, killing at least 29 people and wounding 24.
This comes while Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called on Donald Trump in a television program to make the global fight against terrorism his top priority.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The killing of Egyptian Christians has sparked a wave of international condemnation. Pope Francis, the leader of the world's Catholics, has offered his condolences to the families of the victims in a message.
According to Reuters, Coptic Christians make up 10 percent of Egypt's population of 92 million.
This religious minority has been the target of deadly attacks in recent months, including in April when the Islamic State group, ISIS, bombed their churches, killing dozens.
Source: Radio Farda
