Egypt

Second policeman dies in Foreign Ministry blast

The death toll of the Foreign Ministry bombing has claimed the life of another policeman, leaving at least seven others injured, according to Major General Abdel Fattah Othman, deputy interior minister for media affairs.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that a bomb was planted in a tree that exploded once the troops reached 26 July corridor," Othman added.

Traffic was paralyzed in downtown Cairo, especially at the Corniche road before Maspero and Tahrir Square. The 15 May bridge as well as the 26 July corridor exit, which leads to Bulaq Abul Ela and Esaaf areas, were closed.

Investigations are underway and police are combing the area in search of other bombs. The 15 May bridge has been closed.

A senior ministry source said the explosion targeted the checkpoint at the intersection of 26 July and Corniche road.

One of the police officers who was killed in the blast was a witness in Morsy's prison break trial, which was due to resume on Sunday. A 2013 video showing the officer giving testimony in court has spread on social media sites after his death.

Terrorist actions have been carried out against military and police personnel since the ouster of toppled president Mohamed Morsy in July 2013.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm and MENA

Related Articles

Back to top button