Security sources and other German embassy sources in Cairo have said that embassy officials decided to close the embassy Tuesday after receiving threats that it was the target of a car bomb, like that of the Italian consulate last Saturday.
Embassy sources said embassy officials received threats Tuesday morning and informed security authorities about the threats before closing the embassy indefinitely. The sources added that they demanded further security measures around the embassy.
An Interior Ministry source said the ministry was notified of the German embassy's closure. The ministry will communicate with the embassy to find out the nature of the threats and how serious they are, especially considering the ministry did not perceive any threats to the embassy.
Another security source said the embassy might have resorted to such an action in order to tighten security around its headquarters.
Egypt's ambassador to Germany, Mohamed Hegazy, said in a press statement that German Chancellor Angela Merkel requested during a meeting with heads of diplomatic missions in Berlin that they convey her greetings to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, as well as her appreciation to the Egyptian people.
Merkel reiterated, during her speech, her condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized that her country backs the people of the Middle East to confront the danger of terrorism which has also become a danger to Europe.
Merkel said her country will spare no effort to support people facing terrorism and will support all who stand against it until it is eradicated.
Seven false tips about suspected car bombs outside embassies and the houses of judges were reported to the police Tuesday.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
