Egyptian interior ministry analyzes Sinai group statement

Egyptian interior ministry said on Sunday it analyzed a statement by Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis, a Sinai-based group, in which they claimed responsibility for the failed attempt to kill Interior Minister Major-General Mohammad Ibrahim. The group's statement raises doubts on its credibility, especially since it came four days after the terrorist incident, a high-level security source in the ministry stated to MENA, and also added that the statement could be truthful, or meant to mislead investigative bodies to keep them away from the real sources that executed the terrorist operation. Also, it indicated that the statement could be a reaction to the intensive operations carried out by armed forces and security bodies in Sinai and the successes they achieved in tracking down and capturing terrorist groups and sources. In addition, the source affirmed continuation of the information and investigative bodies at the ministry in their security plans of tracking down those who are involved in the failed attempt to assassinate the interior minister, noting that there is are some important information in hand, which the security bodies will use during their intensive efforts in capturing the perpetrators. So far, around 80 suspects have been captured and are being currently interrogated, said the source.