Egypt urges ending conflict in Syria after deadly U.S. missile attacks

Egypt expressed deep concern on Friday over repercussions of Tuesday's allegedly toxic bomb attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun, which killed and injured scores of civilians, state-run MENA news agency reported.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry called for stepping up efforts to end military conflict in Syria and maintain the Middle East security, MENA said.

The ministry urged all Syrian parties to abide by the cease-fire decision and start negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations.

"Egypt calls on the United States and Russia to take effective steps to reach a comprehensive and final settlement of the Syrian crisis," the ministry said.

Earlier on Friday, the U.S. targeted a Syrian air base in Homs Province with nearly 60 Tomahawk missiles, killing six Syrian soldiers and nine civilians, including four children, and destroying nine Syrian warplanes.

The U.S. government said the attack on the air base came in retaliation for the strikes by the Syrian air force on the town of Khan Sheikhoun.

Activists accused the Syrian army of firing toxic gas on the town, killing 70 people, while the Syrian army said the strike targeted an arms depot containing toxic gas, blaming the rebels for storing such materials. Endit