Egyptian minister of antiquities said the recent warning issued by the US embassy in Cairo that US citizens should avoid visiting the pyramids as "unjustified", state-run news agency MENA reported.

Antiquities Minister Ahmed Eissa said the embassy issued the warning without any trustworthy evidence that the area is not safe.

The US embassy urged US citizens on Friday to "elevate their situational awareness when traveling to the pyramids, avoid any late evening or night travel, utilize a recommended or trusted guide and closely guard valuables", saying the embassy is "aware of increasing number of incidents at or near the Pyramids Plateau area". The warning cited a recent incident in which unknown individuals allegedly pounded on a vehicle that was carrying tourists.

Xinhua