Jordan condemns Daesh 'cowardly' execution of 21 Egyptians in Libya

AMMAN  –– Jordan on Monday condemned the cowardly execution of 21 Egyptian Copts   by Daesh terror group in Libya.

Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications and the Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani said in a statement that Jordan strongly condemns the cowardly and brutal execution of 21 Egyptians, expressing condolences to the egyptian government and the families of the victims.

Momani called on the international community and regional countries, particularly Arabs and Muslims, to fight against the terror group.

On Sunday night, Daesh released a video showed the beheading of 21 Egyptians in Libya.

In response to the beheading of the Egyptians, Egypt's air force bombed Daesh targets inside Libya on Monday, marking an escalation in Cairo's battle against militants.

It was the first time Egypt confirmed launching air strikes against the group in neighbouring Libya, showing President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi is ready to expand his fight against Islamist militancy beyond Egypt's borders.

Egypt said the dawn strike, in which Libya's air force also participated, hit Daesh camps, training sites and weapons storage areas in Libya, where civil conflict has plunged the country into near anarchy and created havens for militia.

A Libyan air force commander said between 40 to 50 militants were killed in the attack.

The 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians, who had gone to Libya in search of work, were marched to a beach, forced to kneel and then beheaded on video, which was broadcast via a website that supports Daesh.