EU condemns Arish terrorist attack, offers condolences

CAIRO – 24 November 2014: The EU's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, condemned the terrorist attack that targeted worshippers at Rawdah Mosque in Arish, North Sinai on Friday, killing 235 people.

“Innocent people have once again been targeted in Egypt today. A terrorist attack has killed hundreds of peaceful worshippers at a mosque in North Sinai,” Mogherini stated.

She added in a statement that Egypt has been hit by a number of attacks against places of worship of all faiths over the last years, as no one should be killed because of their religion. She added, “People of all religions – and none – are united in the fight against terrorist violence”.

“I want to send, on behalf of the EU, my heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families and the Egyptian people,” Mogherini added.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also issued statement condemning the attack. “It was with great horror and sadness that I learnt of the tragic attack on the Rawdah Mosque in Sinai. I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the people of Egypt and to President al-Sisi,” Juncker stated.

He added that he condemns the barbaric and cowardly act in the strongest possible terms, as it targeted peaceful and innocent people in their place of worship. “Europe stands beside you in solidarity, just as you have stood with us in the past. You can count on our support,” Juncker added in his statement.

On Friday, a group of 15 armed terrorists broke into Rawdah Mosque in Arish City, killing at least 254 people.

According to eye witnesses, the terrorists were initially riding two all-terrain vehicles, which they ditched 150 meters away from the crime scene. They detonated a bomb outside the mosque and then opened fire at panicked Friday prayer congregants.