RIYADH — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation of the terrorist attack to the south of the city of Bir Al-Abd in Sinai causing several casualties among soldiers in the Egyptian’s military.

One Egyptian officer, a non-commissioned officer and eight other army soldiers announced killed and injured as a result of an explosive device blast that targeted an armored vehicle affiliated with the army.

Egypt’s armed forces spokesperson, Tamer Al-Refai said that the terrorist attack took place in Bir al-Abd city, in North Sinai. The army said it “foiled” the attack, “killing 10 terrorists and destroying a four-wheel drive used by the terrorist elements.”

He added that the armed forces affirms the continuation of its battle against terrorists to preserve the state’s security and stability.

The Ministry reaffirms the Kingdom's full solidarity with the Arab Republic of Egypt in its fight against terrorism.

The Ministry offered its condolences to the families of the victims as well as the government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt, wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded.

In Cairo, Dr. Mishaal Bin Fahm Al-Salami, speaker of the Arab Parliament, condemned the terrorist attack that targeted with an explosive device an armored vehicle of the Egyptian army.

In a statement today, Dr. Al-Salami affirmed the full solidarity of the Arab Parliament and its stand with Egypt in its war against terrorism and terrorist groups, as well as its support in all its actions to address extremist terrorist groups that did not observe the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan.

Also the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the terrorist attack. OIC Secretary General, Dr. Youssef Bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, affirmed the organization solidarity with Egypt in all the measures it takes to combat terrorism.

Earlier, Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi mourned the Armed Forces martyrs who were killed and injured in North Sinai terrorist attack on Thursday.

“The terrorists have killed our heroes and sons in Bir Al-Abd city, at North Sinai today. They are still trying to take away our country from us, but with God’s help and Egypt’s strong army we are capable of destroying their malicious hopes and treacherous souls,” Sisi tweeted.

He added: “May God have mercy on our sons, and everyone who gave himself for our country, may God have mercy on everyone who sacrificed his blood for our country, in order to remain free with its flag always raised.”

Egypt has been battling to contain an insurgency in North Sinai. In February 2018, Egyptian security forces launched a nationwide, large-scale operation against militants, mainly focused on North Sinai. — SPA/agencies