The United States on Monday condemned a weekend attack on an Egyptian border checkpoint which left 21 soldiers dead, and vowed to keep up support for Egypt’s security.
“We extend our condolences to the families of the victims, and hope for the quick and full recovery of the wounded,” deputy State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said in a statement on the attack, which took place near Egypt’s desert frontier with restive Libya.
“A prosperous and dynamic Egypt requires an environment of security and stability, and the United States continues to support the Egyptian government’s efforts to counter the threat of terrorism in Egypt as part of our commitment to the strategic partnership between our two countries.”
The Egyptian military said militants firing machineguns and rocket-propelled grenades attacked a border checkpoint on Saturday, killing 21 soldiers in one of the biggest assaults on security forces in years.