Sunday Times 2
Bomb hits Italian consulate in Egypt, killing one
View(s):CAIRO, July 11, 2015 (AFP) -A powerful bomb ripped through the Italian consulate in Cairo today, killing one person, the first assault on a foreign mission in Egypt since jihadists launched a campaign against security forces two years ago.
A general view of the site of a bomb blast at the Italian Consulate is seen in Cairo, Egypt, July 11 (REUTERS)
The consulate in central Cairo was closed at the time of the explosion around 6:30 am (0430 GMT), which brought down the facade of the building and could be heard across the capital.
A health ministry spokesman said the blast killed a civilian and wounded four. Medics had earlier said two policemen and three passers-by had been wounded.
Italy swiftly condemned the attack, with its foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni saying “Italy will not let itself be intimidated.” He added on Twitter that there were no Italian casualties.
Militants have carried out scores of attacks since the army overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, killing hundreds of policemen and soldiers mostly in the Sinai Peninsula.
Diplomats had told AFP they had been warned by police months ago that embassies could be targeted, but it was not clear whether this was based on specific intelligence.
At least one Western embassy had relocated over security concerns.
The Italian consul in Cairo arrived at the scene of the attack and went inside the building to inspect it, refusing to speak to reporters.
The official MENA news agency reported that the blast was caused by car bomb.