ISIS terrorist group claimed on Friday evening responsibility for an attack which killed seven people near an Egyptian monastery, the group’s AMAQ news agency said , without providing evidence of its involvement.

At least seven people were killed and dozens injured in shooting on two buses heading towards a Coptic Christian monastery in upper Egypt.

According to Coptic sources, unknown gunmen fired a barrage on two buses carrying the Copts who were on their way to the monastery of St. Samuel in Minya south of the country, killing seven people and injuring 14 others.

They also said there was heavy gunfire at a third bus, but its driver managed to steer the vehicl away from the source of the fire.

For its part, security forces quickly surrounded the area.

Searches are under way for the perpetrators.

Ambulances were rushed in to transport the injured to hospitals.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi mourned the victims of the attack on the Christian bus, vows to push ahead with campaign against militants, on Twitter. “ ... I wish speedy recovery of the wounded and confirm our determination to continue our efforts to combat black terrorism and to pursue the perpetrators.”

“This incident will not undermine the will of our nation to continue its battle for survival and construction.”

Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:53 - GMT 06:53