Monday 11 August 2014

Egypt: American energy worker killed in apparent carjacking near Cairo

An American employee of Texas-based energy company Apache Corp has been killed in an apparent carjacking in the western Egyptian desert, officials said on 10 August.

"The victim was a long-time employee who works with production operations and we are deeply saddened by his death," Apache spokesman Bill Mintz said. "Apache is working with authorities and a full investigation is underway."

Mintz stated that the attack occurred on Wednesday 6 August as the employee was driving in the desert between Qarun and Karama, southwest of Cairo, although the exact details of the attack are still uncertain.

It has been confirmed that the Apache employee died as the result of gunshot wounds. Egyptian security officials have, however, stated that the worker's body was found in a car on a road outside Cairo with another foreigner who had been working with the Egyptian government-owned company Qarun Petroleum. 

Mintz said he was receiving conflicting information about whether the Apache worker was alone or accompanied by someone else but confirmed that the Apache employee was the only victim who had been shot. It does, however, remain unclear as to whether or not this means the American was the only casualty.

Egyptian security officials, who asked for anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media, said that investigations were ongoing to determine who was responsible for the 6 August attack. 

The victim's name was not immediately released as family members were still being notified and the nationality of the alleged survivor has not been disclosed while investigations continue. 

For expert analysis of Egypt's security, politics, economy, and business environment see Egypt Politics & Security or contact info@menas.co.uk

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