May 26, 2017
A gunman opens fire on a bus carrying Coptic Christians in Egypt, killing at least 28 people in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.
Minya, Egypt | Islamic State
On May 26, 2017, a tragic attack occurred in Egypt targeting Coptic Christians, a religious minority in the country. A gunman opened fire on a bus carrying Coptic Christians who were traveling to the Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor in Minya Province, located about 140 miles south of Cairo. This heinous act resulted in the deaths of at least 28 people, with many others injured.
Coptic Christians in Egypt: The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, and Copts constitute the largest Christian denomination in Egypt. Despite their significant presence, Copts have faced persecution and discrimination over the years.
Rising Sectarian Violence: The attack occurred against a backdrop of increasing sectarian violence in Egypt, particularly targeting the Coptic community. This was part of a broader pattern of attacks by extremist groups aiming to destabilize the country and incite religious conflict.
Execution: The attackers, reportedly dressed in military uniforms, stopped the bus and opened fire. They also targeted other vehicles in the convoy, including a truck and a car.
Claim of Responsibility: The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the attack. IS had previously targeted Copts in Egypt, including bombings at Coptic churches in Cairo, Alexandria, and Tanta earlier in 2017.
Government Response: In response to the attack, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ordered airstrikes on militant camps in Libya, which were believed to be training grounds for the attackers. The Egyptian government also declared a state of emergency and heightened security measures across the country.
International Condemnation: The attack drew widespread condemnation from international leaders and organizations, who expressed solidarity with the victims and called for stronger measures to protect religious minorities.
Impact on Coptic Community: The attack further heightened fears among the Coptic community and underscored the ongoing challenges they face in terms of security and religious freedom in Egypt.
This attack highlighted the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region and the vulnerabilities of religious minorities. It also underscored the broader geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, where sectarian tensions and militant activities continue to pose significant threats to stability and peace.
The tragic event on May 26, 2017, remains a somber reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat extremism and protect vulnerable communities worldwide.
Source: www.reuters.com