Egyptian Police Detain Nearly 100 in Bombing Probe

  • VOA News

Egyptian police have detained nearly 100 people in the hunt for suspects behind bombings that killed at least 88 people at a Red Sea resort on Saturday.

The raids have been in the targeted resort of Sharm al-Sheikh and elsewhere in the Sinai. Egyptian officials say two vehicles loaded with explosives were detonated at a hotel by suicide drivers about the same time a time bomb exploded in a shopping center several kilometers way.

At least eight foreigners were among the dead. Egypt's Tourism Ministry says doctors are still working to identify a number of bodies burned or mangled beyond recognition.

A group citing ties to al-Qaida has claimed responsibility in an internet statement, but the claim has not been authenticated.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said the attacks will stiffen the nation's resolve to pursue terrorism and "dig it out by the roots."