Egyptian explosives expert killed defusing bomb near church in Cairo
Less than two days before Egypt’s Christians celebrate the Coptic Christmas
Minarets of a mosque and a cross on top of a church are seen during cold weather before Sunday's Coptic Christmas Eve Mass in Cairo. PHOTO: REUTERS
CAIRO:
An Egyptian police officer was killed on Saturday while attempting to defuse a bomb found near a church in an eastern Cairo suburb, state television reported, less than two days before Egypt’s Christians celebrate the Coptic Christmas.
The device was one of two found inside a bag on a nearby rooftop, three security sources and state media reported.
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Two policemen and an onlooker were also injured when the device exploded, the security sources said.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Egyptian security forces have for years battled militant insurgents who have attacked Coptic Christians, tourists and security personnel.
Security forces have stepped up their presence outside churches and other places of worship ahead of New Year’s Eve and Coptic Christmas, which is celebrated on Jan 7.
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The Copts, who make up around 10 percent of the population, have long complained of discrimination. Authorities have placed armed guards outside churches and monasteries in an attempt to protect them from militant attacks.
In November, militants killed seven people returning from baptising a child at a Coptic monastery about 260 km (160 miles) up the River Nile from Cairo.
An Egyptian police officer was killed on Saturday while attempting to defuse a bomb found near a church in an eastern Cairo suburb, state television reported, less than two days before Egypt’s Christians celebrate the Coptic Christmas.
The device was one of two found inside a bag on a nearby rooftop, three security sources and state media reported.
Bomb kills three Vietnamese tourists, guide near Egypt pyramids
Two policemen and an onlooker were also injured when the device exploded, the security sources said.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Egyptian security forces have for years battled militant insurgents who have attacked Coptic Christians, tourists and security personnel.
Security forces have stepped up their presence outside churches and other places of worship ahead of New Year’s Eve and Coptic Christmas, which is celebrated on Jan 7.
Egypt security forces kill 40 suspected militants after tourist bus bombed
The Copts, who make up around 10 percent of the population, have long complained of discrimination. Authorities have placed armed guards outside churches and monasteries in an attempt to protect them from militant attacks.
In November, militants killed seven people returning from baptising a child at a Coptic monastery about 260 km (160 miles) up the River Nile from Cairo.