Egypt’s Ministry of Health announced that nine people have been killed, including two police officers, and another 10 were wounded in an attack on Mar Mina Church in Helwan, located in Greater Cairo.
Two armed terrorists reportedly attacked the church shortly before Friday prayers. One terrorist was killed at the scene of the attack. Two policemen died responding to the attack, preventing the armed terrorist from entering the church.
Eyewitnesses told private newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm that a man in a car carrying an automatic weapon opened fire on the church.
Egypt’s Ministry of Interior claimed in a statement that it managed to foil a greater attack involving explosives.
A video has appeared of the the attack where the exchange of fire between the gunmen and police are seen.
The whereabouts or condition of the second gunman remains unclear. Some reports indicate only one individual attacked the church. The police have not clarified this information.
Among those killed is a woman who was passing by the church.
Police have closed all roads leading to the church and are searching the area for explosives.
No further information is currently available.
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