Mexican president speaks with Egyptian leader over tourist killings

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto spoke with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi over the phone Tuesday, expressing "Mexican society's pain and indignation" at the accidental killing of eight nationals visiting Egypt.

Pena Nieto reiterated Mexico's call for a "swift and in-depth" investigation to determine who was responsible for shelling the group.

He also asked Sisi to fully support his government, including aiding Mexico's Foreign Affairs Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu, who flew to Cairo late Monday accompanied by family members of the victims.

According to Mexico's state news agency Notimex, Sisi telephoned Pena Nieto to express his condolences and his willingness to provide the injured with the aid they need and help the Mexican minister with her mission, as well as launch an investigation into the incident.

Egyptian military troops and police officers reportedly pursuing anti-government guerrillas shelled the group on Sunday when they travelled aboard four vehicles through the Western Desert, an area popular for its sand dunes and verdant oases.

The area is currently a restricted zone off-limits to civilians, but the group's travel agency had secured the necessary permit. At the time of the airstrike, the group had stopped for a picnic-style meal.

In July 2014, at least 21 Egyptian soldiers and several others were wounded in an attack by anti-government rebels in the Western Desert's Al Farafra Oasis.

Egypt has seen the number of attacks against government forces increase, especially in the North Sinai region, since the army ousted democratically-elected President Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Endi