Egypt ready for Libya evacuations as IS hostage photos emerge

President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said Egyptians would be airlifted out of Libya, state-run news agency Mena said.

 

The pictures of the hostages were released in the latest online edition of IS magazine Dabiq.

 

A number of Egyptian Coptic Christians were kidnapped in two raids in Sirte, Libya, in December and January.

 

A statement from the office of Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said a special committee was closely following events in order to “clarify the situation and learn the truth”.

 

In Cairo, the families of the 21 hostages have staged a protest accusing the president of not doing enough for them.

 

Members of the Coptic community in Egypt have also expressed scepticism about the offer to airlift people out of the country.

 

Read More: BBC News – Egypt ready for Libya evacuations as IS hostage photos emerge