27 died as ISIS bombs church in Egypt on Palm Sunday
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has declared three days of nationwide mourning following the two deadly bombings targeting Coptic Christian churches in Egypt during Palm Sunday. Terrorist group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to state-run news agency Al-Ahram, the death toll from the Palm Sunday bombing in Egypt has risen to a total of 49 as of Monday, CNN reported. At least 27 people reportedly died in a church bombing located in the northern city of Tanta while 18 civilians and four police officers were killed outside a Coptic church in Alexandria from a suicide bombing attack.
A three-month state of emergency is going to be declared once legal and constitutional measures have been completed said President el-Sisi. A supreme council to counter terrorism and extremism is also going to be formed as a response to the Palm Sunday terrorist attack.
"We have to pay attention because of Egypt and Egypt's future. We know this is a big sacrifice but we are capable of facing it," the Egyptian President said. "The attack will not undermine the resolve and true will of the Egyptian people to counter the forces of evil, but will only harden their determination to move forward on their trajectory to realize security, stability and comprehensive development."
The explosions have injured at least 35 people in the Alexandria blast and 71 people in Tanta, the health ministry said, according to BBC.
No official word yet from the authorities regarding the identity or nationalities of the people behind the two attacks in Egypt on Sunday, April 9. But the militant group claimed on a statement that bombers are identified as Egyptian nationals.
Terrorist group ISIS, also known as ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), warned people of more attacks on its statement issued after acknowledging the bombing. No follow up message has been reported after the statement.
