US embassy in Egypt warns citizens to use ‘increased security’ after tourist deaths

The United States Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, issued a message to American citizens Sunday, urging them to take increased security precautions in the country following reports of foreign tourists being killed as a likely result of terrorist attacks in Israel.

“Message to U.S. citizens: The Embassy is aware of reports of multiple foreign tourists killed in an attack in Alexandria, Egypt today, Oct 8, 2023. This incident may be related to ongoing hostilities in Gaza and Israel. U.S. citizens in Egypt should exercise increased security awareness and precautions,” the embassy wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

ISRAELI MILITARY CONFIRMS HAMAS HOLDING SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS HOSTAGE FOLLOWING SURPRISE ATTACK

This comes after terrorist group Hamas, which has exercised control over the Gaza Strip and frequently launched attacks on Israel, conducted a ground attack Saturday that was apparently unexpected by Israeli intelligence. Israeli citizens in cities and towns bordering Gaza were killed and kidnapped by terrorists from the group closely associated with Palestine’s fight over Israeli land.

Hamas is known to be supported by Iran, and a spokesperson for the terrorist organization, Ghazi Hamad, told the BBC that Iran expressed support for its attacks on Israel on Saturday. According to an analysis from CNN, more than 500 could have died following the initial attack.

As the events in Israel developed, reports of foreign tourists being killed in bordering Egypt emerged. Egyptian authorities said Sunday that a police officer shot and killed two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian tour guide in the city of Alexandria. The officer had opened fire on a group of Israeli tourists, but the motive has not been named. The assailant, however, has been reportedly detained.

The U.S. Embassy in Cairo noted that the attack is possibly related to the invasion of Israel by Hamas.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Israel is reportedly working with the Egyptian government to bring tourists from the country home following the shooting.

The U.S. Embassy has not issued a call for American citizens to return home, but it encouraged them to act with increased awareness as well as increased security precautions during their travels.