11 Egyptian soldiers killed in suicide attack

At least 11 Egyptian soldiers were killed and 35 others injured today when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a military bus carrying off-duty personnel in North Sinai, officials said.
The attack took place this morning on the road from Rafah to el-Arish, the regional capital of North Sinai, where security forces are battling Islamist militants.
The attack is believed to be the deadliest against the military since Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was deposed.
Six soldiers, three security officers and the driver were among the dead, the military said.
The soldiers were going home for their holidays.
Although no group has claimed responsibility, such attacks are a signature method used by militants linked to al-Qaeda.

Security was tightened at North Sinai checkpoints in search of the attackers. Communications with the area were cut as military helicopters circled over the area, searching for the attackers.

Egyptian military spokesperson Colonel Ahmad Ali offered condolences to the Egyptian people on the deaths. He said the injured were transported to military hospitals for treatment.
He also stressed that the Armed Forces would continue to fight "black terrorism" until it gets rid of the "advocates of sedition and darkness".
Egyptian Cabinet spokesperson Hani Salah-al-Din also condemned the suicide attack.
He said the government was considering all options available to deal with such acts and to prevent their recurrence.

In remarks to local Al-Misri al-Yawm website, Salah-al-Din said "firm decisions" would be made within hours to deal with such acts.