Singapore condemns attacks on checkpoints in Egypt's North Sinai that left 31 dead

Singapore has strongly condemned the attacks in Egypt's North Sinai that left at least 31 soldiers dead on Friday.

In response to media queries, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said: "Singapore strongly condemns the attacks on Egyptian security and military personnel in North Sinai on Oct 24, 2014, that have resulted in many deaths and injuries. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Egypt."

The spokesman added: "These attacks are stark reminders of the threat that we all face from terrorism and we support the Egyptian government's efforts in bringing the perpetrators of such heinous acts to justice."

The soldiers were killed in a suicide car bombing carried out by a suspected extremist in an agricultural area north-west of El-Arish, the main town in north Sinai. The suspect rammed into a checkpoint near an army installation with a vehicle packed with explosives, Egyptian security officials said. Thirty soldiers were killed and 29 others injured in the blast.

At least one soldier was shot dead by gunmen in a separate attack on Friday at another checkpoint south of El-Arish.

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