235 killed in Sufi Mosque, Egypt attack (photos)

At least 235 people have been reported dead after suspected militants set off a bomb and opened fire at a mosque in northern Sinai province, health ministry spokesperson says.

The explosion which came after Islamist militants detonated a bomb inside a crowded mosque on Friday, and also shot at panicked worshipers who fled the building, also left 109 people wounded.

Though no one has claimed responsibility for the attack that occurred in a small town in the insurgency-racked Sinai Peninsula, but the strike bears the hallmarks of an attack by ISIS. Witnesses also claimed that the attackers also opened fire on ambulances.

The mosque is known as the birthplace of an important Sufi cleric. Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam that some ultra-orthodox Muslims consider heretical.

In a short, televised speech after meeting with security officials, Sisi said, “We will respond to this act with brute force against these terrorists. This terrorist act will strengthen our resolve, steadfastness and will to stand up to, resist and battle against terrorism.”

 

World leaders have condemned the attack and sent their condolences to Egypt. US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and more have all taken to Twitter to speak out against the terrorist attack