PM Barzani condemns terrorist attack in Egypt’s Minya, says defeat of IS not complete

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, condemned Friday’s “terrorist” attack in Egypt’s Minya, which killed several Christian civilians.

Islamic State (IS) militants ambushed three buses carrying Christian pilgrims on their way to a remote desert monastery south of the Egyptian capital of Cairo, killing seven and wounding 19, according to the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Interior Ministry.

“We strongly condemn the brutal attack on Friday targeting civilians in Egypt’s Minya governorate, in which a number of Coptic Christians died while others were injured,” Barzani said in a statement.

“We extend our condolences to the families and relatives of the victims as well as the people and the government of Egypt. We express our sympathy and condolences… and wish a speedy recovery for those injured.”

He mentioned that IS claiming responsibility for the attack is proof that the military defeat of “terrorists” on the battlefield and the liberation of the land is not enough to ensure the safety of the people.

“The continuation of terrorist acts by Dae’sh [IS] suggests the international community has a responsibility to unite efforts and further coordination to eliminate terrorism worldwide,” Barzani concluded.

Over the past few years, the Kurdistan Region has been at the forefront of the fight against the jihadist group in Iraq, being one of the first forces to respond to the aggression.

Since the emergence of IS in 2014, over 1,800 Kurdish Peshmerga fighters had fallen while battling against the jihadist group and about 12,000 more wounded, according to the Peshmerga Ministry.

Editing by Nadia Riva