The United Nations Security Council issued on Monday a strong condemnation of a terror attack in Egypt that claimed the lives of at least 18 Egyptian policemen. The attack in the Sinai region also left three more injured.

The Security Council members expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Egypt, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured in the ambush near Al Arish.

“The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” the UN said in a summary of the council members’ remarks.

The council also stressed the need to bring all those connected with terrorism – perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors – to justice. It called on all nations to cooperate with the Egyptian government and any other relevant authorities to ensure that bringing those responsible to justice is supported.

The Egyptian attack happened earlier in a suburban area south of Al Arish, according to local media. The police deaths occurred when they were targeted with improvised explosive devices on their patrol roads and then attacked by armed militants. The ensuing battle continued for some time.

Militants aligned with Islamic State in the Sinai claimed responsibility for the attack. It was the latest in a series of attacks on Egyptian police and security forces in or near Al Arish, the capital of the Sinai region.