BIR AL-ABED — 2017 · Major Tragedy
Al-Rawda Mosque Attack
On 24 November 2017, about 40 gunmen attacked the al-Rawda mosque, associated with the local Jaririya Sufi order, near the town of Bir al-Abed in North Sinai during Friday prayers. The attackers set off explosives around the mosque, blocked escape routes and opened fire on worshippers, also targeting ambulances that came to collect the wounded. The attack killed 311 people and wounded at least 128. Many of the victims were villagers who worked at a nearby salt factory. It was the deadliest attack in Egypt's history. No group formally claimed it; Egypt's public prosecutor, citing survivors, said the attackers carried the Islamic State flag. The local Sufi community had been threatened before.
- Date
- 2017
- Place
- Al-Rawda village, North Sinai, Egypt, Bir al-Abed, EG
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 31.0300, 33.0800 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 24 November 2017The al-Rawda mosque was attacked during Friday prayers.
- 25 November 2017The prosecutor, citing survivors, said the attackers carried the IS flag.
- November 2017The final toll was given as 311.
Sources
- CNN — Egypt Sinai mosque attack cnn.com ↗
- NPR — Mosque attack in Egypt's Sinai npr.org ↗
- The New York Times — Mosque attack in Egypt nytimes.com ↗
- CNN
- NPR
- The New York Times
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.