Egypt: 40 suspected terrorists killed in raids

At least 40 suspected terrorists were killed in raids by Egyptian security officials in connection with bomb blast near Giza pyramid here.

CNN quoted state media as reporting that the raids were conducted at dawn on Saturday.

Three suspected hideouts of terrorists who were planning a hostile attack during the holiday season were targeted, stated Egypt's Interior Ministry according to the state-run Al-Ahram online newspaper.

Citing a ministry statement, Al-Ahram revealed that ammunition, firearms and improvised explosive devices were seized in significant numbers.

The statement asserted that the raids were ordered "as a continuation of the ministry's efforts in chasing terrorist elements involved in the implementation of hostile operations seeking to destabilize the country's security".

"Information was available to the national security sector about the preparation and planning of a series of terrorist attacks targeting state institutions, especially economy, tourism industry, armed forces, police and Christian houses of worship," the statement read.

As many as four people including three Vietnamese tourists and an Egyptian tour guide lost their lives in a roadside bombing that targeted a tourist bus here on Friday, Prosecutor-General Nabil Sadek has confirmed.

Sadek stated that the blasts which took place in the Haram district of Giza, famous for the Egyptian pyramids, injured 11others by an improvised explosive device that was hidden near a wall.