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Egypt Coptic church blast 'kills at least 21' in Nile Delta Egypt Coptic churches targeted in blasts on Palm Sunday
(about 1 hour later)
At least 21 people have been killed and dozens more injured in an explosion at a church in northern Egypt, state media say. A second blast has been reported near a church in northern Egypt, hours after at least 21 people were killed during a Palm Sunday service.
The blast targeted St George's Coptic church in the city of Tanta in the Nile Delta. The explosion in front of a church in Alexandria has injured several people, according to state TV.
The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but Egypt's Christian minority has often been targeted by Islamist militants in recent years. The earlier blast targeted St George's Coptic church in the city of Tanta, about 130km (80 miles) south-east.
It was timed for maximum impact, as people gathered to mark Palm Sunday. Egypt's Christian minority has often been targeted by Islamist militants in recent years.
Egyptian security forces had been put on alert in anticipation of such an attack. The blasts appear to have been timed for maximum impact, as people gathered to mark Palm Sunday.
Provincial governor Ahmad Deif told the state-run Nile channel: "Either a bomb was planted or someone blew himself up." Egyptian security forces had been put on alert in anticipation of attacks.
A search is under way for any more explosives which could be in the vicinity. After the first explosion, provincial governor Ahmad Deif told the state-run Nile News channel: "Either a bomb was planted or someone blew himself up."
General Tarek Atiya, a spokesperson at Egypt's interior minister, told AFP news agency that the blast in Tanta took place near the altar.
A search is underway for any more explosives which could be in the vicinity.
Pope Francis, who is due to visit Egypt later this month, has condemned the attack.
Violence against Coptic Christians has risen in recent years, especially since 2013, when the military overthrew the elected president and launched a crackdown against Islamists.Violence against Coptic Christians has risen in recent years, especially since 2013, when the military overthrew the elected president and launched a crackdown against Islamists.
Some supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, who hailed from the Muslim Brotherhood, blamed Christians for supporting the overthrow.Some supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, who hailed from the Muslim Brotherhood, blamed Christians for supporting the overthrow.
In December last year, 25 people died when a bomb exploded at the Coptic cathedral in Cairo during a service.In December last year, 25 people died when a bomb exploded at the Coptic cathedral in Cairo during a service.
And in February, militants from the Islamic State group warned of more attacks against Copts, who make up about 10% of Egypt's population.And in February, militants from the Islamic State group warned of more attacks against Copts, who make up about 10% of Egypt's population.
The explosion occurred as Coptic Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday, one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar, marking the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.The explosion occurred as Coptic Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday, one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar, marking the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
On 1 April, an explosion outside a police training centre in Tanta injured 16 people.On 1 April, an explosion outside a police training centre in Tanta injured 16 people.
What is the Coptic Christian faith?What is the Coptic Christian faith?
The Coptic Orthodox Church is the main Christian Church in Egypt. While most Copts live in Egypt, the Church has about a million members outside the country.The Coptic Orthodox Church is the main Christian Church in Egypt. While most Copts live in Egypt, the Church has about a million members outside the country.
Copts believe that their Church dates back to around 50 AD, when the Apostle Mark is said to have visited Egypt. Mark is regarded as the first Pope of Alexandria - the head of their church.Copts believe that their Church dates back to around 50 AD, when the Apostle Mark is said to have visited Egypt. Mark is regarded as the first Pope of Alexandria - the head of their church.
This makes it one of the earliest Christian groups outside the Holy Land.This makes it one of the earliest Christian groups outside the Holy Land.
The Church separated from other Christian denominations at the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) in a dispute over the human and divine nature of Jesus Christ.The Church separated from other Christian denominations at the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) in a dispute over the human and divine nature of Jesus Christ.
The early Church suffered persecution under the Roman Empire, and there were intermittent persecutions after Egypt became a Muslim country. Many believe that continues to this day.The early Church suffered persecution under the Roman Empire, and there were intermittent persecutions after Egypt became a Muslim country. Many believe that continues to this day.
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