Libya: Egypt launches airstrikes in Derna May 26

Event

On Friday, May 26, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced that retaliatory airstrikes had been carried out in Derna. President Sisi said that the strikes targeted militant camps that trained the fighters who carried out attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt earlier that same day. Officials did not confirm any other details about the airstrikes or indicate any reported casualties. It is unclear whether any additional military action is planned.

Context

A bus carrying Coptic Christians was attacked by gunmen near the city of Minya in Egypt around noon (local time) on May 26. At least 23 people were reportedly killed and 25 more injured. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Egypt’s Christian community has been targeted in a number of violent attacks in recent months, predominantly in the northern Sinai region. President Sisi announced a three-month state of emergency in Egypt following Islamic State (IS) attacks on churches in Alexandria and Tanta, which killed 44 people on Palm Sunday, April 9.

Advice

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.