CAIRO, Aug 5 (Aswat Masriya) – A group calling itself “Hasam Movement” claimed responsibility on Friday for the attempted assassination of Egypt’s former grand Mufti.

Unidentified assailants opened fire on Former Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa and his guards earlier on Friday as he was on his way to lead the Friday prayers in one of the mosques in 6th of October city.

Gomaa survived the attempt but one of his guards was injured.

Hours after the failed attempt, “Hasam Movement” claimed responsibility for it in a statement that circulated social media networks.

The movement said in its statement that the operation targeted "the executions' Mufti", referring to Gomaa," in one of Hasam Movement's operations against the military occupation and its militia affiliated to Abdel Fattah al-Sisi". 

Aswat Masriya could not independently verify the authenticity of the statement.

The movement claimed last month responsibility for an attack that claimed the life of a top police officer in Fayoum and injured two of his aides.