The Ministry of Interior announced Monday morning that a police officer and non-commissioned police officer were shot dead after chasing suspects during a security raid in Qena Governorate in Upper Egypt.
Three suspects were later arrested in a stolen car, and charged with the possession of two machine guns
A ministry statement said that in the early hours of the morning the police in Qena received a call about a kidnapping attempt by a gang of ex-convicts. The gang fired at the ensuing security raid, killing the police officers.
On Sunday night, Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim issued a statement lauding the efforts and sacrifices of security forces who “cleanse” Egypt of the “elements of evil” that commit “black terrorism” to disrupt the nation’s stability.
Ibrahim added that the ministry is developing security plans to face challenges, calling for the “decent treatment” of citizens while firmly implementing the law against those who break it.
