Ansar Beit al-Maqdes claims capture of 4 union leaders in Sinai

Ansar Beit al-Maqdes, a radical Islamist militant group based in Sinai, claimed responsibility for the alleged capture of four union leaders Tuesday on Twitter.

On a day where the focus was on securing festivities following repeated incidents of violence against Christians over the past few years, Coptic Christmas day witnessed violence against unexpected parties.

Four union leaders were allegedly captured in Sinai Tuesday on their way to Sharm el-Sheikh to hold a conference in support of the draft constitution. Those being held are the president, secretary general and undersecretary of the Tourism Syndicate, as well as the undersecretary of the Manpower Committee in Sinai, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm.

Ansar Beit al-Maqdes released a statement on Twitter claiming responsibility for their capture. The statement said they were holding three leaders of the “heathen regime,” demanded the release of female detainees, and threatened more violence if their demands are not met. The group previously claimed responsibility for the assassination attempt against the interior minister in September, and the bombing of the State Security building in Mansoura in December 2013.

The labor union is to hold a press conference Wednesday at noon in Cairo to clarify the details of the incident, Al-Masry Al-Youm reported.

Minister of Manpower Kamal Abu Eita said that all information at this stage indicates that no criminal intent lies behind the capture of the four, and that he is hopeful they will be rescued.

Also in Sinai, two attempts to blow up army vehicles on their way to Rafah failed, and two suspects were detained, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm.