A number of countries around the world have condemned the killing of 16 Egyptian security forces in a shootout with terrorists that took place on Friday in Egypt's Western Desert. France's embassy in Cairo expressed its “full solidarity with the people and authorities” of Egypt. “We offer our condolences to the families of the fallen Egyptian security forces in the fulfillment of their mission and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. Once again, Egypt and its security forces are paying a heavy price in the fight against terrorism,” the statement said. The German Embassy in Egypt also condemned the incident, saying that "nothing can justify such violence." "Germany stands by the Egyptian people in the fight against terrorism ... and wishes a speedy recovery for the injured," the embassy said in a statement. Ivan Surkos, the head of the EU delegation in Egypt, expressed "deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives defending the country against terrorism. The EU stands with Egypt." British Ambassador to Egypt John Casson said in a statement that both Egypt and Britain face the same evil, but “we are sure that the world has the ability to defeat it.” The Italian embassy also issued a statement condemning the "gruesome attack." Jordan's King Abdullah II sent a message to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi expressing “deep sorrow” for the death of the Egyptian security forces, wishing a swift recovery for those injured and expressing Jordan's full support for Egypt in the fight against terrorism. The kingdom also declared that it will be pulling down its flag at the main entrance of its royal palace from Saturday morning until 6 pm in a show of mourning. The Bahraini foreign ministry expressed deep condolences for the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Bahrain affirmed its solidarity with Egypt in its fight against terrorism and its efforts to combat all forms of violence and extremism, and expressed its support for all measures taken to achieve security and stability. The statement added that Bahrain reaffirms its position in renouncing terrorism in all its forms regardless of motives or justifications, and calls for strengthening international efforts to confront and eliminate this dangerous phenomenon. Other Arab countries and organisations that condemned the incident include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Palestine, Iraq, the Libyan interim government, Yemen, Sudan, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the League of Arab States.
