A number of foreign ministries have issued statements condemning a militant attack in North Sinai on Friday that killed or injured 26 Egyptian soldiers. In an official statement, the German embassy in Cairo said there was “no justification for such violent terrorist acts,” stressing that Germany supports Egypt in combating terrorism. “We share the sorrow with the families of the victims,” the statement added. “I am disgusted by the terrorist attack on members of the Egyptian Armed Forces as they did their duty in Rafah, North Sinai today,” UK ambassador to Egypt, John Casson, said in a statement posted on his official Twitter account. He added that the UK acknowledges the “sorrow and anger” that Egyptians feel today, expressing his deep condolences. “These inhumane attacks, whether in Egypt or in England, only strengthen our determination to defeat the terrorist killers,” Casson said, adding that the UK would continue standing with Egypt in its war against terrorism. "Another outrageous terror attack in Egypt. The United States stands with Egypt against terrorism," the US embassy in Cairo posted on its Twitter account, launching a hashtag of #USSupportForEgypt. Arab countries also denounced the attack. Kuwait stressed its support for all measures taken by Egypt to preserve its security and stability. All efforts should be made to “fight such dangerous phenomena that targets humanity and the security and stability of the whole world" read a foreign ministry statement. The UAE in a foreign ministry statement described the attack as a “new crime that is added to the black record of terrorism and terrorists.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also condemned the attack, with presidency spokesperson Nail Abo Rodaina denouncing in strongest terms the terrorist operation. He also stressed the Palestinian nation and leadership's support for Egypt's war on terrorism. Palestinian group Hamas has also condemned the attack, with spokesman Fawzi Barhoum describing it as “a cowardly terrorist act that doesn't only target Egypt and its stability, but also the security of all Arab nations.” Tunisia also decried the attack through its foreign affairs ministry. “In the face of the dangerous implications of terrorism and extremism of all kinds for the security and stability of states and the serious threat to international peace and security, Tunis is reiterating its call for the international community to join efforts and intensify coordination to overcome it and snuff out its sources,” the statement said. On Friday morning, Egypt's military announced that 26 army personnel were killed or injured by car bombs that targeted a security checkpoint near Rafah in North Sinai, and that the army had killed 40 militants in the attacks.
