Egypt: 12 killed, 5 hurt in firebomb attack at nightclub

At least 16 people were killed in a firebomb attack on a nightclub near Cairo, authorities in Egypt said Friday.

The Cairo Post newspaper said three masked men threw the device into the venue before fleeing. Reports say the target also contained a nightclub. Flames were burning the inside of the building and charring the facade.

Video from the scene showed thick, grey smoke billowing out of a doorway at street-level as passers-by tried to get close.

Cairo has previously been rocked by a series of attacks on security forces and civilians carried out by suspected Islamist militants.

The attackers have not been identified yet, but officials said a dispute at the establishment might have triggered the incident.

Earlier reports had put the number of dead at 18.

Islamist groups have been active in Egypt, especially since the Muslim Brotherhood government of President Morsi was removed by the military in 2013.