President says Egypt faces long, tough battle against militants

Relatives of security personnel killed in the Sinai city of al-Arish mourn as they walk in front of Almaza military air-base where the funerals were held in Cairo, January 30, 2015. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday that the country faces a long, hard battle against militancy, days after one of the bloodiest attacks on security forces in years. "This battle will be difficult, strong, evil and will take a long time," said Sisi in comments broadcast on state television after meeting Egypt's top military officers.