US condemns terror attacks in Egypt

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of all those who were killed and injured in this attack and in other recent violence.

“The United States remains firmly committed to Egypt’s security and will continue to support the government of Egypt as it contends with ongoing threats from terrorist groups in the Sinai and elsewhere,” Price added.

Heavily-armed militants linked to ISIS on Monday targeted two police checkpoints using an explosive-laden garbage truck and rocket-propelled grenades, killing eight policemen and one civilian, the latest attack in Egypt’s restive North Sinai.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Interior said that about 20 terrorists participated in the attack on al-Matafi checkpoint in Al-Arish city.

Egypt’s North Sinai has been the stage for many terrorist attacks since the January 2011 revolution that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak.