In a press statement issued overnight, the 15-member body “condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack” that took place in the northern Sinai city of Al-Arish, and “reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.”

The Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States to cooperate actively with the Government of Egypt and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

“Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” the Council reiterated, reaffirming the need for all States to combat by all means threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The Council expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Egypt and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.