Palm Sunday Church Bombings in Egypt - April 9, 2017

On April 9, 2017, two devastating bombings targeted Coptic Christian churches in Egypt during Palm Sunday services, resulting in at least 45 deaths and numerous injuries. These attacks were claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and marked a significant escalation in the group’s campaign against Egypt’s Christian minority.

The Attacks

1. St. George’s Church, Tanta:

   • Location: Tanta, a city in the Nile Delta, approximately 60 miles north of Cairo.
   • Details: A bomb exploded inside the church during the Palm Sunday service, killing at least 27 people and injuring many others. The explosion caused significant damage to the church’s interior, leaving a scene of chaos and destruction.

2. St. Mark’s Cathedral, Alexandria:

   • Location: Alexandria, a major port city on the Mediterranean Sea.
   • Details: A second bombing occurred at St. Mark’s Cathedral, the historic seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope. The attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated his explosives outside the church after being stopped by security personnel. This attack resulted in at least 18 deaths, including several police officers, and numerous injuries.

Context and Aftermath

• Coptic Christians in Egypt: The Coptic Christian community is the largest Christian minority in the Middle East, comprising about 10% of Egypt’s population. They have faced persecution and violence over the years, often being targeted by extremist groups.

• ISIS’s Campaign: The bombings were part of ISIS’s broader strategy to destabilize Egypt and incite sectarian conflict. The group had previously vowed to increase attacks on Christians in Egypt, viewing them as infidels and a legitimate target.

• Government Response: In response to the attacks, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declared a three-month state of emergency. Security measures were heightened across the country, particularly around places of worship and during religious holidays.

• International Reaction: The bombings drew widespread condemnation from international leaders and organizations. Pope Francis, who was scheduled to visit Egypt later that month, expressed his solidarity with the victims and the Coptic community.

Broader Significance

These attacks underscored the vulnerability of religious minorities in the region and highlighted the ongoing threat posed by ISIS, even as the group faced territorial losses in Iraq and Syria. The bombings also emphasized the challenges faced by the Egyptian government in maintaining security and protecting its citizens from extremist violence.

The events of April 9, 2017, remain a somber reminder of the persistent threats to religious freedom and the need for continued efforts to promote tolerance and coexistence in the region.