State media outlets, including Akhbar Al Youm, are now reporting that 85 people have been killed and another 80 injured in the Al-Rawaada mosque attack, the total death toll will be released following a final count.
On Friday Morning, a massive explosion in Al-Rawada mosque, located in the town of Beur El Abes, in North Sinai’s Al-Arish.
The improvised explosive device, targeted worshippers gathering for Friday prayers.
The explosion was followed by gunfire from unknown militants who stationed ahead of the mosque’s gates.
Quoting anonymous security sources, the state-run newspaper Akhbar Al-Youm revealed the explosion had resulted in 85 deaths and 80 injuries as ambulances rushed to the scene to attend to the wounded, the same toll was confirmed in media statements issued from the Health Ministry’s official spokesperson.
Before official sources confirmed the figures, a local resident and journalist who preferred to remain anonymous spoke to Egypt Independent and said that there had been a huge number of killings in the attack, claiming that up to 50 are dead, with the figure still rising.
There is yet to be an official statement from the interior ministry or health authorities on the total casualty figures.
Furthermore, Egypt Independent’s attempts to reach both entities’ media offices have not received a response.
More to follow.
