SPECIAL REPORT: Explosion in heart of Cairo kills nine, destroys bus at Egyptian Museum
Egypt, Breaking News, 9/18/1997

According to an Egyptian Police source, three explosions occurred in the heart of Cairo at noon today in a location in front of the Egyptian Museum downtown. The attack is believed to have been executed by terrorists. The three explosions, aimed at a tourist bus parking in front of the Museum, were heard going off in succession. The bus, which was totally burnt, is owned by Spring Tours Co., and it had brought German tourists to the Museum earlier. Three suspected terrorists were seen running into the Egyptian Museum after the explosions, one of whom was killed by the police; two of the men were captured and identified as Gaber Mohammed Farahat and Mahmouod Mohammed Farahat after an exchange of gunfire.

Our reporter on the scene believes that two Egyptians and seven foreigners were killed in addition while others were wounded and hospitalized immediately. The Egyptian Minister of Interior Hassan Al Alfy, the head of the Cairo Police Directorate, was on the scene along with many high-ranking security forces.

The Egyptian Museum which contains important archeological pieces was closed four hours after the attack as the security forces surrounded the whole area which includes Nile Hilton Hotel and the Arab League, which will witness the meetings of the Arab ministers of interiors next Saturday. Arab League guards the joined the security forces immediately after the attack as they received instructions from the Ministry of Interior to support the security forces controlling the situation.

As of now, the Egyptian Museum has been reopened to visitors in a move from the security forces to prove that the situation is under control. This incident comes at a time when the Egyptian tourism sector was flourishing, especially in the month of August which witnessed a record number of tourists visiting Egypt from all over the world, and also at the beginning of the winter season during which Egyptian tourist traffic from Europe and the US increases. The attack could have been intended to damage the tourism industry.

Witnesses at the scene indicated that they saw a man who appeared to be foreign running away with the torrorists. The man disappeared into the crowd and managed to escape, according to the witnesses.

The explosions occurred near the Arab League, which is preparing for important meetings, fueling speculation that the attack was somehow related to the meetings, which are expected bring important decisions. The bomb may have been meant to appear as a local attack.

Previous Stories:
  Egyptian tourism achieves unprecedented numbers   (9/18/1997)
  Egyptian terrorism trial yields four death sentences   (9/17/1997)
  Economic projects and other issues including Israel are on agenda of Arab foreign ministers   (9/10/1997)

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