Egypt: Bus carrying Christians attacked in Minya (south) May 26

Event

A bus carrying Coptic Christians was attacked by gunmen near the city of Minya around noon (local time) on Friday, May 26. At least 23 people have reportedly been killed and 25 more have been injured. The identity of the attackers is currently unknown. The bus was heading toward the Saint Samuel monastery, located approximately 225 km (140 mi) south of the capital Cairo.

Context

Egypt’s Christian community has been targeted in a number of violent attacks in recent months, predominantly in the northern Sinai region. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi announced a three-month state of emergency in Egypt following Islamic State (IS) attacks on churches in Alexandria and Tanta, which killed 44 people on Palm Sunday, April 9.

Discrimination against Christians, who make up about 10 percent of the population, has long been a delicate subject in predominantly Muslim Egypt. Copts say they suffer social prejudice and workplace discrimination in addition to violence.

Advice

Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, individuals throughout Egypt should report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). All travel to northern Sinai is advised against; the authorities maintain a media blackout and special security zones in the region due to the ongoing anti-terrorist campaign.