WASHINGTON – The United States condemned the killing of 16 Egyptian guards in an attack on a border post near the Israeli frontier, saying it was ready to help Egypt secure the increasingly lawless Sinai peninsula. “We condemn in the strongest terms the deadly terrorist attack,” acting deputy State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said, offering US condolences to the victims and families as well as President Mohamed Morsi. “The security situation in the Sinai is something that we've raised with Egyptian authorities, it's something that has been a matter of ongoing concern,” he told reporters. If asked by the Egyptian authorities, “we stand ready to assist the government of Egypt as it acts on President Morsi's pledge to secure the Sinai and address the threats of violent extremism,” Ventrell added. Canada also offered to help Egypt reinforce security in the Sinai Peninsula. “Canada stands with the people and government of Egypt in combating such deplorable acts of terrorism,” Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird said in a statement. “Canada stands ready to support Egypt to improve the security situation in the region.” “We fundamentally believe that a secure Sinai Peninsula will lead to greater stability in the wider region,” Baird said. In Sunday's attack, gunmen in Bedouin attire drove up to a border post and opened fire before crossing into the Jewish state in an armored vehicle, Egyptian officials said. Israel said five gunmen were killed on its side. – Agencies
