Egypt: ISIS claims attack on bus carrying Coptic Christians

Meanwhile, SITE Intel Group said that ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack on the bus.

"Along with the report from its ‘Amaq News Agency for the attack, the Islamic State (IS) issued a formal communique claiming credit for the killing of Coptic Christians in Minya, Egypt," read a report published on the group's website.

Gunmen attacked the bus and shot dead 29 people.

The United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday condemned in the strongest terms the killing of at least 28 people in Egypt, with the Council denouncing the attack “heinous” and “cowardly.”

The 15-member Council, whose rotating membership currently includes Egypt, began a regularly scheduled meeting this morning with a moment of silence in honour of the victims.

In a press statement, the Council members expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Egypt, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured, reportedly including children.

In a statement that followed, the Council reiterated that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.”

Perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these “reprehensible acts of terrorism” need to be brought to justice, the members said, and called on Governments to cooperate actively with the Egyptian Government and all relevant authorities.

A statement issued by UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres condemned the terrorist attack, saying: “There can be no justification for such horrific violence.”

The Secretary-General expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Egypt. He also wished a quick recovery to those injured and hoped that the perpetrators of “this despicable act will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.”

Also strongly condemning the attack, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), said: “The terrorist attack in Egyptand few days ago in Manchester are stark reminders that the ugly face of terrorism knows no borders. It is also a reminder that we should all stand up together in our fight against terrorism in all its forms.”