Egypt - Gunmen attack Coptic Christians, at least 23 dead 26 May 17

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which came on the eve of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, though it had all the hallmarks of Egypt's affiliate of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Security forces launched a hunt for the attackers, setting up dozens of checkpoints and patrols on the desert road.

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi called for a meeting with top aides to discuss the attack.

The grand imam of al-Azhar, Egypt's 1,000-year-old centre of Islamic learning, said the attack was intended to destabilize the country.

"I call on Egyptians to unite in the face of this brutal terrorism," Ahmed al-Tayeb said from Germany, where he was on a visit.

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Copts, the Middle East's largest Christian community, have repeatedly complained of suffering discrimination, as well as outright attacks, at hands of Egypt's majority Muslim population.

Late last month, Pope Francis visited Egypt, in part to show his support for Christians of this Muslim majority Arab nation who have been increasingly targeted by Islamic militants.

Following the pope's visit, ISIS vowed to escalate the attacks against Christians, urging Muslims to steer clear of Christian gatherings and Western embassies, saying they are targets for the group's followers.

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Bently said:

I just heard on the radio, I have no link, that Egypt has just bombed Libya in retaliation.

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Senior officials say Egyptian fighter jets have struck militant bases in eastern Libya in retaliation for an attack by suspected Islamic State militants that killed 28 Christians south of Cairo.

The officials said the warplanes on Friday targeted the headquarters of the Shura Council in the city of Darna, where local militias are known to be linked to al-Qaida, not the Islamic State group.

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bluesneakers said:

Link:

The Latest: Egypt strikes bases in Libya after Copts attack

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