Trump calls Sissi to offer condolences after church bombings
President expresses confidence in Egyptian leader's commitment to protect Christian minority
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump called Egypt’s Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to express his condolences about twin church bombings by the Islamic State group that killed dozens, the White House said Monday.
Trump spoke to Sissi on Sunday to express his “deepest condolences to Egypt and to the families who lost loved ones in the heinous terrorist attacks against Christian churches on Palm Sunday.”
The attacks in the Nile Delta cities of Tanta and Alexandria prompted Sissi to declare a “three-month” state of emergency.
“The President also expressed his confidence in President Sissi’s commitment to protect Christians and all Egyptians,” the White House said.
Last week Trump hosted Sissi at the White House, signaling a break from the previous US administration’s view of the former general.
Hundreds of demonstrators were killed and thousands jailed when Sissi seized power from a broadly Islamist government.