Egypt pyramids warning 'baseless,' says Egyptian government
| CAIRO
Egypt's Antiquities' Ministry has criticized a U.S. Embassy message to American citizens in the country, urging them to be extra cautious because of recent incidents near the聽pyramids聽in Giza.
A ministry statement on Saturday says the warning is "baseless."
An embassy message earlier this week urged Americans to "elevate their situational awareness" when visiting the聽pyramids聽because of a "lack of visible security or police" presence there.
It noted incidents of "angry groups of individuals surrounding and pounding" on cars with visitors, sometimes trying to open car doors.
The ministry insists the聽pyramids' area in Giza, Cairo's twin city, is "totally secure" and that the overall situation for tourists has improved.
Security deteriorated following the 2011 uprising that ousted longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak and tourism took a sharp hit.
