Egyptian forces kill tourists, guides in operation

At least 12 Egyptians and two Mexican tourists were killed when police and military officers inadvertently opened fire at their convoy in the western desert of Egypt.

A statement from Egypt’s interior ministry said the Egyptian forces accidentally engaged the tourists’ convoy when in pursuit of terrorists.

The ministry claimed that the tourists should not have been in the area without notifying the authority adding that their presence was illegal.

“A joint force from the police and military, whilst chasing terrorist elements in the oasis area of the Western desert tonight, accidentally engaged four four-wheel drives belonging to a Mexican tourist group,” read the statement in part.

10 other people were injured in the incident and have been hospitalized.

The tourists were travelling in four vehicles that entered a restricted zone in the Wahat area of Western Desert.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto condemned the attack on his Twitter account, describing the incident as tragic and demanded a full investigation.