Suicide bombers set off near-simultaneous explosions in Sinai on Wednesday, killing nine soldiers and injuring another 17, a spokesman for Egypt’s security said.
The bombers carted explosives in the vehicles and drove into separate facilities that were housing members of Egypt’s military, The Associated Press reported.
One explosion destroyed a two-story building in the town of Rafah that had been home for members of the military’s intelligence unit. The second explosion hit at a military checkpoint, AP said.
The blasts hiked tensions in the region ten-fold. Egypt is already suffering from a massive insurgent movement that has left hundreds dead, as Muslim Brotherhood members continue to rally and clash with police over the military coup of their leader, Mohammed Morsi. Prior, unrest drove the nation to topple Hosni Mubarak from the presidential post.
It was just a week ago, too, that a suicide bomber targeted the nation’s interior minister and detonated an explosive as he drove through eastern Cairo in a convoy. An group tied to al Qaeda claimed responsibility for that attack.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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