Terror Attacks in Egypt’s Sinai Denounced

Iran denounced the recent terrorist attacks in Egypt's volatile Sinai Peninsula that left a dozen soldiers dead, voicing alarm over the spread of terrorism to other regions beyond the Middle East.

On Sunday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi expressed Iran's disgust with all terrorist acts in any form and location, calling on the international community and regional governments to take heed of the expansion of the "ominous phenomenon", Press TV reported.

The growing wave of violence, terror and extremism, "which has targeted people from all walks of life in the region, including soldiers and civilians, could not be countered except through the unification of governments, a global resolve and regional nations' vigilance, in particular," Qasemi stressed.

The spokesman underlined Iran's strong disapproval of any actions aimed at fueling terror, insecurity and instability.

Qasemi voiced Tehran's empathy with the Egyptian government and nation, offering condolences to the families of victims.

On Friday, terrorists affiliated with the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group attacked a security checkpoint near the town of Bir el-Abd, killing 12 Egyptian soldiers and wounding at least six more.

It was the first major attack in the central Sinai area, which had so far remained unaffected by militancy.

IS claimed that it had killed over 20 soldiers while suffering no losses itself, but the Egyptian military said 15 assailants died in Friday's gun battle at the checkpoint.

Separately on Saturday, security and medical officials said a member of the security forces was killed when suspected militants attacked a checkpoint close to the town of Sheikh Zuweid in northern Sinai.

  Long Battle

On the same day, Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi predicted a long battle against Sinai militants. The country's jets also carried out a string of aerial attacks against militants in the rugged and thinly populated region.

The Sinai Peninsula has been under a state of emergency since October 2014, following a deadly terrorist attack that left 33 Egyptian soldiers dead.

Over the past years, militants have been carrying out anti-government activities and fatal attacks, taking advantage of the turmoil caused in Egypt after the democratically-elected president, Mohamed Morsi, was ousted in July 2013.

Velayat Sinai terrorists have claimed most of the assaults, mainly targeting the army and police.

In November 2014, the group pledged allegiance to IS, which is mainly operating in Iraq and Syria.