A state of emergency came into force Saturday across much of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula after 30 soldiers were killed in a suicide car bombing by suspected jihadists.
It was the deadliest attack on the country’s security forces since the army deposed Islamist President Mohamed Morsy last year, to the fury of his supporters.
The state of emergency, which took effect from 0300 GMT in the north and centre of the Sinai, will remain in place for three months, the President’s office said.
Egypt also announced it would close the Rafah crossing into the Gaza Strip, the only route into the Palestinian territory not controlled by Israel.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces was due to meet on Saturday to decide what measures to implement under the state of emergency. — AFP
