Egyptian police kill seven suspected Islamic State militants in shootout

Palm Sunday is among the holiest days on the Christian calendar, marking the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and churches traditionally draw big crowds. Last year’s attack that killed 24 and wounded 50 had been considered Egypt’s worst bombing against Christians in the nation’s history.

Israel meanwhile closed its Taba border crossing to Egypt after its anti-terrorism office warned of an “imminent” militant attack there, underlining fears of more violence. The jihadist group further said that the blasts were carried out by two suicide bombers – one targeted St George’s Coptic church in Tanta, leaving 27 dead. “The terror attack in the Coptic Church near Cairo today reminds us that Egypt, too is under attack”.

EGYPTIAN SECURITY FORCES killed seven suspected Islamic State militants in a shootout on Monday as they were meeting to plan attacks on minority Christians, the Interior Ministry said.

It is estimated that Christians make up about 10 to 15 percent of Egypt’s population of 80 million.

“The United States will continue to support Egypt’s security and stability in its efforts to defeat terrorism”, said acting spokesperson Mark Toner. It’s simple to say that they are terrorists, but who is behind the terrorists? The bomb, police said, had been planted in the church’s pews. “If the Coptic Pope [Tawadros II, head of the Egyptian Christian Community] has been targeted, how can Christians feel safe?” But witnesses said a suicide bomber was in the pews when he detonated his explosives.

The December bombing in a church adjacent to the Coptic papal seat marked a shift in ISIL tactics.

In two bombings in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria, at least 43 people were killed. “If we don’t understand that, it’s really going to minimize our sense of solidarity with these Egyptian Christians and others around the world just like them who have great danger to attend in community with others, church services or Bible studies”.

The attacks came just as Sisi returned from the USA where he met President Donald Trump and, to his delight, obtained a ringing endorsement of his authoritarian methods and campaign against Islamists.

Sisi met Saturday with a US congressional delegation led by US Rep. Darrell Issa, the Egyptian government said.

Egypt’s Copts are also persecuted in other ways. “I have great.confidence that President Al Sisi will handle situation properly”, President Trump tweeted.

The attacks also raised security fears ahead of a visit to Cairo by Roman Catholic Pope Francis planned for April 28-29 meant to promote interfaith dialogue between Muslims and Christians. He expressed his grief after the church attack.

Pope Francis, who is due to visit Cairo, offered prayers for the victims.