Egypt bombing: At least 200 people killed in deadly shooting attack on north Sinai mosque

People walk outside a mosque that was attacked in the northern city of Arish, Sinai Peninsula.
EPA
Francesca Gillett24 November 2017

At least 200 people have been killed in a bombing and shooting ​attack on a mosque in the Sinai Peninsula, according to Egyptian state news agency MENA.

Citing official sources, MENA said more than 70 people were also wounded in the attack on the al-Rawdah mosque in the town of Bir al-Abd, 25 miles from the North Sinai provincial capital of el-Arish.

The death toll was initially estimated to be 85 people but has repeatedly risen, state television reported.

The attack appears to be the latest by the area's local Islamic State affiliate.

Officials said militants in four off-road vehicles bombed the mosque and fired on worshippers during the sermon segment of Friday prayers.

The country's government has declared three days of mourning after the attack, state television said.

Egyptians gather outside the Rawda mosque following the deadly blast and shooting.
AFP/Getty Images

Victims are being taken to local hospitals. One photo taken inside the mosque shows lines of bodies lying on the floor.

One local resident told Reuters news agency: “They were shooting at people as they left the mosque. They were shooting at the ambulances too."

Islamic State militants have killed hundreds of police and soldiers over the last three years.

Egyptian security forces, Christian churches and pilgrims have all been targeted in attacks.

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