Egypt: Authorities will likely increase security nationwide ahead of Coptic Easter, April 24, due to threat of attacks

Event

Egyptian authorities will likely increase security nationwide ahead of the observance of Coptic Easter due to the threat of attacks that militant groups pose. The Coptic Christian holiday falls on April 24. Militant groups regularly attempt to carry out attacks against religious minority groups, particularly during holidays and celebrations. In April 2020, security forces killed seven militants in Cairo's El Amireya district who were allegedly planning attacks against Coptic Christians during Coptic Easter. Authorities will also likely deploy additional security personnel near churches and establish checkpoints on major roads near Coptic houses of worship. Security measures could also include the placement of concrete and steel barriers to prevent cars or motorcycles from parking near sensitive locations, among other actions.

Security will be concentrated near prominent churches and predominantly Coptic neighborhoods, especially in Cairo and Alexandria. However, authorities may also increase security in rural areas with large Coptic Christian populations, including Minya, Sohag, Asyut, and Qena.

Context

The additional security is a precautionary measure prompted by a series of attacks on Coptic Christians since late 2016. The Islamic State (IS) demonstrated its continued capability to target Coptic Christians in November 2018 when IS supporters opened fire on three buses carrying Coptic Christian pilgrims in the El Idwa area of Minya Governorate. The attack bore the hallmarks of a similar incident that occurred in 2017, during which IS militants opened fire at a bus carrying Coptic Christians en route to Saint Samuel Monastery. Both attacks followed repeated calls by IS to target Coptic Christians in Egypt.

Advice

To the extent possible, limit exposure to potential targets, such as prominent Coptic churches or neighborhoods with large Coptic Christian populations. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel.