Egypt: Copts warned of IS-related threat July 14

Event

Egyptian Coptic leaders have instructed their followers around Egypt to cancel all activities outside churches for the month of July after receiving notice of a security threat targeting members of the Coptic community. The Friday, July 14, notice comes after months of deadly attacks on Egyptian Christians throughout Egypt by Islamic State (IS)-linked militants.

Context

IS killed 29 Coptic pilgrims in central Egypt in May, and 44 more at a church during Palm Sunday celebrations in April. Furthermore, a suicide bombing killed 25 at Cairo's main Coptic cathedral in an attack later claimed by IS in December 2016. The Christian community has been targeted in a number of violent attacks, predominantly in the northern Sinai region. Discrimination against Christians, who make up about 10 percent of the population, has long been a delicate subject in predominantly Muslim Egypt. Copts say they suffer social prejudice and workplace discrimination.

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 (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.). All travel to northern Sinai is advised against; the authorities maintain a media blackout and special security zones in the region due to the persistent terrorist campaign of Sinai Province.