Egypt condemns terrorist acts by Islamic State

Egypt has condemned all forms of terrorist acts conducted by the Islamic State (IS) Sunni extremists group in Iraq where scores of civilians have been killed and injured, the state-run MENA news agency reported.

A statement released by the Egyptian foreign ministry Tuesday said such crimes contradict the teachings of the Islam and represent a flagrant violation of humanitarian international laws.

The statement called on Iraqi powers and political figures to place high the interests of the country and defend its sovereignty in order to achieve the aspirations of the Iraqi people and protect them against such terror organizations.

It also called on friendly countries and the international community for consolidated efforts to offer all forms of assistance to Iraq in the face of such heinous crimes of terrorism that threaten world peace and security.

The IS, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS), last June established an "Islamic caliphate" in the territories under their control in Syria and Iraq. Since then, they have indulged in sustained persecution of non-Sunnis and other religious communities.