Egypt: Officials confirm two deaths in resort attack July 14 /update 1

Event

Egyptian security officials said that two German tourists were killed and another four foreigners wounded by a knife-wielding attacker at a resort in Hurghada on July 14. All of the victims are reportedly female. German officials had not confirmed if any German citizens were among the victims as of 20:10 (local time). According to unconfirmed reports, the attack took place at the Bella Vista Resort. Security sources said that the attacker intentionally targeted foreigners in the resort, but there has been no public claim of responsibility for the attack. Details are still emerging; avoid the area.

Context

Security forces arrested the suspected attacker but have not identified him. The Interior Ministry said that he snuck into the hotel by swimming up from a nearby beach. This would be the second attack at the Bella Vista Resort if confirmed. In January 2016, two men who supported the Islamic State (IS) stabbed three tourists.

Advice

Individuals in Hurghada are advised to monitor the situation, to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, and to remain vigilant.

Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, individuals throughout Egypt should report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). All travel to northern Sinai is advised against; the authorities maintain a media blackout and special security zones in the region due to the ongoing terrorist campaign of Sinai Province.