By Zaid Sabah and Nacha Cattan
(Bloomberg) — Egypt security forces accidentally killed at least 12 people in the western desert area after mistaking a Mexican tourist group for terrorists, state-run Ahram Gate reported, citing unidentified sources within the country’s interior ministry.
A joint police and army force was chasing “terrorist elements” in the Oasis area of the western desert of Giza province when they “wrongfully dealt” with four 4-wheel drive vehicles belonging to the Mexican tourists, the news service reported. The incident resulted in the death of 12 people and injury of 10, Ahram Gate said.
The tourist group was in a restricted area without permission, using vehicles that were not permitted, and hadn’t gotten the necessary clearance or informed authorities about the trip, Rasha el-Azayzi, a spokeswoman for the Egyptian tourism ministry, told state-run MENA, citing initial information.
The ministry has started an investigation, in cooperation with the army and police, to find out the reasons for the incident, el-Azayzi was cited as saying.
Mexico confirmed the deaths of at least two Mexican citizens. Its Foreign Ministry demanded a “full investigation and explanation of events,” as well as support from Egyptian authorities for Mexicans being transported to Cairo, according to a statement.
From DPA:
