Egypt: Security forces foil suicide attack on church in Al-Qalyubia August 11

Event

Egyptian security forces foiled an attempted suicide bombing attack on a church in Al-Qalyubia province on Saturday, August 11. The would-be attacker reportedly detonated his explosives, killing only himself, after security forces prevented him from approaching the Church of the Virgin Mary in the city of Musturad, near Shubra Al-Khaymah.

Additional militant attacks targeting churches are possible in the area in the coming weeks, particularly as Coptic Orthodox Christians observe the fast of the Virgin Mary through Wednesday, August 22. A continued heightened security presence is expected near churches in the near-term.

Context

The incident marks the fourth suicide bombing attempt to target a church in Egypt since 2017. Notably, Islamic State (IS) militants launched attacks on churches in Alexandria and Tanta on Palm Sunday in April 2017, killing some 50 people and prompting Egypt to issue a state of emergency - last extended for three months from mid-July 2018.

Security forces are currently conducting a significant counterterrorism operation in Egypt. The "Sinai 2018" operation aims to eradicate suspected militant and criminal cells in the Sinai Peninsula, the Nile Delta, and the Western Desert, as well as reinforce state control along the country's borders. The Egyptian police and the army have been placed on maximum alert in these regions for the duration of the operation.  

Advice

Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, individuals throughout Egypt should report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (i.e. public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). Many governments advise against travel to northern Sinai, where authorities maintain a media blackout and special security zones amid the ongoing anti-terrorist campaign.