The Egyptian army said an airstrike killed some of the attackers involved in Friday’s massacre when at least 235 people died in a bomb-and-gun attack on a mosque.
In a statement late on Friday, army spokesman Tamer Rifai said the Egyptian air force chased down the assailants who, according to officials, arrived in four 4WD vehicles and carried out the attack during noon prayers.
“The air forces chased the terrorists and discovered and destroyed a number of vehicles that were involved in carrying out the brutal terrorist attack… Those on board were also killed,” Rifai said.
The massacre occurred in Bir al-Abed, a town in North Sinai province.
Al Jazeera reported that the mosque – about 40km west of El Arish, the provincial capital of North Sinai – was frequented by followers of Sufism, a more mystical form of Islam.
No group has claimed responsibility. The government declared a three-day period of mourning for the victims.
