Morocco's king strongly condemns Egypt's terror attack

RABAT, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's King Mohammed VI on Sunday strongly condemned Friday's terror attack that targeted a church in Egypt's capital of Cairo.

In a message to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the king expressed, on behalf of the Moroccan people, his strong condemnation of the "cowardly attack" on innocent citizens.

The king extended to Sisi, the grieving families and the "brotherly" Egyptian people his heartfelt condolences and sincere compassion and solidarity with Egypt.

At least 10 people were killed in a shootout outside the Mar Mina church in the Cairo district of Helwan on Friday.

One attacker was killed, while another was arrested shortly after fleeing the scene. The terror group Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The IS affiliate in Egypt has killed dozens of Christians in church bombings and shootings over the past year.

Egypt's Coptic Christians, the largest religious minority in the region, account for about 10 percent of the country's population of 93 million. Enditem