CAIRO: A gunmen opened fire today on a bus carrying Coptic Christians south of Cairo, killing more than 24 people and injuring 25. The attack was carried out when the bus was travelling on the road to the St Samuel Monastery in the Minya governorate. The health ministry informed there were about eight to 10 attackers dressed in military uniforms.
The country has been fighting the Islamic State who have constantly attacked Christians in several incidents, including twin suicide bombings in April. The militant group's lack of religious tolerance was particularly highlighted when Pope Francis visited last month to show support for the Christian community based in a majorly Muslim Arab nation. The IS-affiliate in Egypt had following the visit, vowed to escalate attacks against Christians, and urged Muslims to steer clear of Christian gatherings and western embassies.
No terrorist organisation has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Ishak Ibrahim, researcher at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, said, “Militants attacked a bus and a car- they shot them, 28 people were killed at least. They are still counting the number of victims. The militants targeted Coptic Christians who were driving to a monastery.”
