W.H. condemns 'cowardly' killings of Egyptian Christians

The White House is condemning the "despicable and cowardly" murders of 21 Egyptian Christians in Libya by terrorists linked to the Islamic State, also known as ISIL or ISIS.

"We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and our support to the Egyptian government and people as they grieve for their fellow citizens," said a statement by White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

"ISIL's barbarity knows no bounds," Earnest said. "It is unconstrained by faith, sect, or ethnicity. This wanton killing of innocents is just the most recent of the many vicious acts perpetrated by ISIL-affiliated terrorists against the people of the region."

The killings underscore the "urgent need" for a political resolution to the ongoing civil dispute in Libya, Earnest said.

"We call on all Libyans to strongly reject this and all acts of terrorism and to unite in the face of this shared and growing threat," Earnest said.