Singapore 'strongly condemns' bus attack on Coptic Christians in Egypt, no reports of Singaporeans directly affected

Relatives of those killed in the attack gather to grieve during the funeral at Abu Garnous Cathedral in the north Minya town of Maghagha, on May 26, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

SINGAPORE - Singapore strongly condemns the attack on a bus carrying Coptic Christians en route to the St. Samuel monastery in Egypt's Minya province which resulted in more than 50 casualties, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Saturday (May 27).

Masked gunmen in pick-up trucks on Friday attacked the bus as it was heading for the Saint Samuel monastery in Minya province, located more than 200km from Cairo, before they fled. The attack killed 29 people and wounded 24 others .

"We convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish those injured a swift recovery," a spokesman for the ministry said.

"Singaporeans in Egypt are advised to monitor the news, heed the advice of the local authorities, and keep in touch with their family and friends so that they know you are safe," the statement added.

The MFA said its embassy in Cairo is in touch with Singaporeans in Egypt and there are no reports of Singaporeans directly affected or injured in the incident.

Singaporeans in need of urgent consular assistance should contact the Singapore Embassy in Cairo or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Cairo

Tel: +20 2 3749 0468 / +20 2 3749 5045

Duty Hand-Phone: +20 109 8064 130

Email: singemb_cai@mfa.sg

MFA Duty Office (24-hour)

Tel: +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855

Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Saturday expressed his horror at the attack.

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