Israeli Tourists Flee as Gunmen Attack Egyptian Hotel

Gunmen opened fire opened fire Tuesday on a hotel in the Egyptian resort of Taba bordering Israel, prompting Israeli tourists to flee, but there were no casualties, security sources said.

The attack was apparently a botched attempt to rob a jewelry store in the hotel, the sources said.

"At least four people in an unmarked pick-up truck tried to storm Al-Wekalah Hotel in Taba Heights," a security official said.

"Security guards exchanged fire with the gunmen who managed to flee," the source added.

The gunmen apparently were hoping to rob a jewelry store inside the hotel which is frequented by Israeli tourists.

Several Israeli holidaymakers quickly evacuated the premises heading home across the border, the security official said.

Taba in the Sinai peninsula is a choice destination for Israeli tourists.

In September, Israel restricted its citizens from traveling to Taba for "security reasons," the prime minister's office said.