An apparent firebombing of a nightclub in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, has claimed at least 12 lives, security officials report. Earlier reports said 18 people had been killed.

The attackers tossed multiple Molotov cocktails inside the establishment located at a hotel in the Agouza area near the center of Cairo in the early morning assault, starting a fire, Egyptian media reported.

Six people were injured, according to preliminary estimates.

Cairo police are searching for the perpetrators as a rescue operation continues.

Security remains an issue in Egypt as Islamist militants conduct attacks mostly targeting security troops after the military deposed Islamist President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood following 2013 mass protests.

By RT