Egypt strongly condemned Wednesday’s attack on the Tunisian Wational Museum which killed at least 19 foreign tourists and civilians, as well as two gunmen, and left at least 44 injured.
President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi called his Tunisian counterpart Beji Caid Essebsi to condemn the attack and offer his and the Egyptians’ condolences for the killing of the “innocent people,” Egyptian Presidential spokesperson Alaa Yoused stated Wednesday.
The President reiterated that Egypt stands by Tunisia and fully supports its endeavors in the field of combating terrorism and extremism, which know no boundaries or religion,” the statement read.
“He (Sisi) added that their adverse effects have extended to claim the lives of innocent people and had a destructive impact on global heritage. The President stressed that the strong relations that bind the two nations compel them to continue to coordinate to fight terrorism and rally the efforts of the international community to eradicate this menace,” the statement continued.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shokry also offered his condolences, calling for unity in the international community’s efforts against terrorism.
Two gunmen attacked the Pardo Museum of Tunis and opened fire arbitrarily on tourists as eye-witnesses told AP.
At least 17 tourists from Italy, France, Spain, Japan, Poland, Colombia, and Australia and two Tunisian civilians were killed in the attack, said the Tunisian Prime Miniser Habib Essid in media remarks after an emergency meeting was held following the attack, Agence Tunis Afique Presse reported.
He noted that the Tunisia security forces killed the attackers – Yassin al-Obaidi and Hatem al-Khashnawy. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
