Egypt's court confirms placing 241 on terror list

CAIRO - An Egyptian court on Monday has upheld placing 241 elements of Wilayat Sinai group, which is loyal to the Islamic State organization, on terror list for five years.

The Court of Cassation, Egypt's top court that gives final verdicts, rejected the appeal of the defendants.

The defendants face charges of murder and attempted murder against army forces and police personnel in Egypt's North Sinai province, official news agency MENA reported.

In the case known publically as "Second Sinai State," the suspected were accused of forming 43 terror cells and committing 63 terrorist operations in collaboration with other 314 elements of the militant group.

Wave of terrorism prevailed in Egypt since the military ousted former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in early July 2013 in response to mass protests against his rule and his currently outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Wilayat Sinai, meaning Sinai Province, declared loyalty to the Islamic State in 2014.

The group claimed responsibility for dozens of terror attacks across the country that led to the death of hundreds of policemen, army personnel and civilians.