Egypt announces 3 days mourning after deadly assault in Sinai

CAIRO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Egypt will hold a three-day national mourning for soldiers killed and injured in a deadly assault in Sinai Peninsular on Sunday, state TV reported Monday.

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has decided to hold a three- day mourning after the deadly attack, according to the report.

According to Morsi's spokesman Yasser Ali, a military funeral will be held Tuesday for the dead soldiers and officers.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Prime Minister Hesham Qandil announced early Monday that Egypt will act to revenge the death of 16 army officers in the terrorist attack on a security checkpoint south of Rafah.

The attack happened immediately after Sunday's sunset prayer during Iftar, or fast-breaking meal, when the troops were suddenly attacked by masked gunmen, a local security source told Xinhua. After exchanging fire, the attackers escaped and security forces were still pursuing them.

Qandil said that he will work with the Egyptian armed forces and the interior ministry to avenge those killed and injured in the attack.

On the same day, Arab League (AL) chief Nabil al-Arabi sent a cable of condolences to President Morsi over those killed and injured in the attack.

Arabi expressed AL's condemnation to the assault, extending condolences to the victims' families.

Egyptian security sources said Jihadists were responsible for the attack and they used automatic weapons in the attack at the checkpoint at Liberty Square, south of Rafah City.

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