1st LD Writethru: UN chief slams deadly terrorist attack on government officials, civilians in Egyptian Sinai

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday condemned a terrorist attack in North Sinai's al-Arish City, Egypt, reiterating his "strong belief in the need for a holistic approach to preventing and countering the scourge of terrorism."

"The secretary-general condemns the terrorist attack today in North Sinai's al-Arish City, Egypt, which reportedly killed a number of government officials, security personnel and civilians," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

Ban extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Egypt, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack, the statement said.

"The secretary-general reiterates his strong belief in the need for a holistic approach to preventing and countering the scourge of terrorism, stressing due regard for international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law," the statement added.

Egypt has been mired in violence that killed hundreds of police and soldiers since the ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi by the army in July 2013 following mass protests against his one-year rule.

Most of the attacks were claimed by Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis militant group, which changed its name to "Sinai State" and declared loyalty to the Islamic State.

Egypt has killed more than 600 militants and arrested hundreds of others in recent operations in North Sinai as part of the country's "war against terrorism" declared by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. Enditem