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Egypt cabinet vows full support to crack down on terrorism

Xinhua, July 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

Egypt's cabinet said in a statement on Wednesday that it is constantly convened due to the mounting terrorist activities, voicing full support for all security measures to combat terrorism in the country.

"The cabinet confirms its full support for the armed forces and the police in the procedures they do to combat terrorism, and we're confident that their efforts will eliminate terrorism," the statement said.

The statement comes hours after terrorist attacks on military checkpoints in North Sinai, which left tens of soldiers killed and injured.

After the assassination of Prosecutor General Hesham Barakat in a car bombing on Monday, the country's leadership has urged tougher legal procedures with the extremists charged with violence and terrorism.

"The cabinet approves a package of draft bills to achieve fast justice and quick retaliation for our martyrs," the cabinet statement noted, adding that it is in a state of constant convention due to the ongoing developments.

Egypt's Armed Forces said late Wednesday that 100 militants have been killed in the air raids on militants' hideouts in North Sinai, adding that the military operations resulted in the killing of 17 troops, including four officers, and the injury of 13 including one officer.

Early in the day, the cabinet also approved an anti-terror draft law to fasten trials of defendants charged with terror activities, amid ongoing confrontations between security forces and militants mainly in the restive Sinai Peninsula.

"All legal and diplomatic measures will be taken to deter and disclose those in charge of these terrorist acts," the cabinet vowed.

Shortly after, security forces killed nine Islamist extremists, including a Muslim Brotherhood lawyer, in fire exchanges in 6th of October City in Giza.

The bloody clashes came one day after the second anniversary of June 30 mass protests that ended up with the overthrow of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi by the military in early July 2013. Endit