Egyptian Cabinet on Monday announced a three-month state of emergency following the ISIS terror attack on two Coptic Christian churches on Palm Sunday which killed dozens of people.
The Egyptian Cabinet, on its website Monday, said it OK’d a three-month, nationwide state of emergency and it went into effect at 1 p.m. Cairo time.
“The state of emergency allows both the armed forces and the police to execute those procedures necessary to combat the threats of terrorism and its financing, maintain security around the country and protect public and private property, as well as preserving the lives of citizens,” the statement said.
The Sunday strikes, which targeted Egypt’s Christian minority on the first day of the faith’s Holy Week leading up to Easter, left at least 49 dead, state TV said.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack and warned of more attacks in a statement. “The Crusaders and their apostate followers must be aware that the bill between us and them is very large, and they will be paying it like a river of blood from their sons, if God is willing,” the terrorist organisation said.
Coptic Christians make up about 10% of Egypt’s population of 91 million.
