Death toll in Alexandria church bombing increases to 18

The death toll from the terrorist attack on St. Mark’s Orthodox Catherdral in Alexandria on Palm Sunday rose to 18 after an injured victim died on Tuesday evening.

The victim named Karim Ghattas died in the intensive care unit at al-Miri Hospital in Alexandria.

On Sunday evening, Bishop Makarios, the general Bishop of Minya, visited the victims of the bombing who are still receiving treatment in hospitals.

Makarios first visited the injured police officers and soldiers at the police hospital, and then the injured at the Armed Forces Hospital before heading to St. Mark’s Hospital to see the victims of the Mar Giurgis Church attack.

The Virgin Mary choir, affiliated to St. George’s Church in Shobra, visited the victims of the Tanta church bombing at the Nasser Institute in Shobra. They sung some melodies and songs and conducted prayers for the wounded and praise for God.

Islamic State claimed two of its fighters wearing suicide vests carried out the attacks; the group warned of more attacks ahead.

A twin attack hit two churches in Egypt on Palm Sunday killing and injuring dozens.

The first bombing in Tanta, north of Cairo, was inside Mar Guirgis Church during its Palm Sunday service, killing at least 27 people and injuring at least 78, the Ministry of Health said.

The second, a few hours later in Alexandria, blasted St. Mark’s Cathedral, the historic seat of the Coptic Pope, killing 17 people, including three police officers, and injuring 48, the ministry added.

The lS branch in Egypt has recently stepped up its attacks and threats against Christians, who comprise about ten percent of Egypt’s 90 million people and are the biggest Christian minority in the Middle East.

Source: Al-Masry Al-Youm