Multiple fatalities reported as gunmen attack Coptic Christians in Egypt
Gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Coptic Christians in Minya, Egypt on Friday, killing at least 23 and injuring 25, RT reported. The attack happened as the victims traveled from Beni Suef province to the Anba Samuel monastery near the southern city of Minya, according to local security sources, cited by Haaretz.
Haaretz later reported 24 people have been killed, citing local media. The provincial governor, Essam al-Bedaiwy, confirmed the preliminary death toll, reports Reuters. Ambulances dispatched from the cities of Beni Suef and Minya are transporting victims to local hospitals in Adwa, Minya, Maghagha, according to local news outlet Youm7.
It’s the latest attack targeting Coptic Christians in Egypt since twin suicide bombings in Tanta and Alexandria killed at least 44 people and injured more than 118 on Easter Sunday, April 9. Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attacks.
