On Friday, Al Rawda mosque, located in the North Sinai area in the town of Bir al-Abed, was bombed during Friday prayers. Militants then gunned down worshippers who tried to flee.

The 109 injured were taken to this hospital to be treated. Photo courtesy of CNN

“The scene was horrific,” said Ibrahim Sheteewi, a resident of Bir al-Abed. “The bodies were scattered on the ground outside the mosque. I hope God punishes them for this.”

The attack killed 235 people, including more than 15 children. Additionally, over 109 people are wounded. This is the deadliest attack in modern Egyptian history.

Most of the victims were Suni Muslims, which is a mystical branch of Islam that some un-orthodox Muslims deem heretical.

However, the attack still comes as a shock to many, as there has never been an attack on a mosque before. The past targets have been Coptic Christians and pilgrims.

World leaders came together to show solidarity with Egypt. President Trump tweeted, “Will be calling the President of Egypt in a short while to discuss the tragic terrorist attack, with so much loss of life. We have to get TOUGHER AND SMARTER than ever before, and we will. Need the WALL, need the BAN! God bless the people of Egypt.”

The IHA community keeps the victims of this deadly attack in our hearts and prayers throughout this holiday season and beyond.

By: Emily Koehne ’18, Senior Editor in Chief