By Bel Trew – The Times UK –
A blast that killed at least 25 people during a Sunday service in Egypt’s main cathedral complex was a suicide bomb, according to President Sisi.
Speaking at a state funeral for the victims yesterday, the former military chief identified the alleged perpetrator as Mahmoud Shafiq Mohamed Mustafa, aged 22.
The explosion, one of the deadliest attacks on Egypt’s Christian community, ripped through El-Botroseya church, which is within the compound of St Mark’s cathedral, the seat of the Coptic pope.
At least 24 worshippers were killed and 49 injured, according to the health ministry’s revised statistics. Family members of survivors said many of their injuries were caused by nails. Many had lost limbs.
The majority of victims were women as the bomber targeted the female section of the church. No terror group has claimed responsibility.
Mr Sisi said that three men and a woman had been arrested in connection with the attack, while another two suspects were on the run.
“[The attacker] walked into the church and blew himself up. It was a suicide vest not in a bag,” he said, standing next to Pope Tawadros II, the leader of Egypt’s Coptic community, as well as Muslim religious leaders.
“Since yesterday the police have been gathering the scattered remains of [the bomber],” he added. “This strike caused us much pain, but it will not break us. God willing, we will win this war.”
Mr Sisi called for unity between Muslims and Christians. The Coptic community makes up about 10 per cent of Egypt’s population of 92 million.
Major general Tarek Attia, an interior ministry official said the bomber had been arrested in 2014 on charges of being a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is outlawed in Egypt. The Coptic community has been targeted by hardline supporters of the Islamist group since the violent overthrow of Mohamed Morsi, Mr Sisi’s predecessor, and his Muslim Brotherhood government in 2013.
The Brotherhood condemned the bombing in a statement on Sunday.
The president’s comments appeared to contradict eyewitnesses who told The Times that they saw no suicide bomber or man approaching the women’s section.
A gruesome image purportedly showing the reconstructed severed head of the bomber was circled in local media next to his official ID photograph.
At the state funeral, Mr Sisi and the Coptic pope led mourners dressed in black behind soldiers carrying coffins draped in the Egyptian flag. Troops marched to the sound of military music.
Earlier in the day the Coptic community held its own funeral service at nearby St Mary’s church, where the pope waved incense over the coffins.
Outside the funeral, protesters gathered in front of police lines, wielding a wooden cross, chanting against the government and calling for revenge.
“The problem is with lax police security — the officers don’t guard churches enough, anyone can get in,” said Maria, whose aunt Marcelle Guirguis, 60, and friend Nevine Youssef, 30, were among those killed.
Mrs Guirguis was a retired doctor in a hospital in Cairo, the woman said.
Adel Helmy Habib, Nevine’s brother-in-law, said that she had worked for the ministry of education and had lost her husband three years ago.
According to local media, other victims included Amani Saad-Aziz, who had recently married, and Veronia Faheem Helmy, who was just 18.
Saud Atta Bishara, 67, the oldest victim, was at the service with her cousin Tahany Khella, 65, who survived the blast as she was shielded by a pillar.
The health ministry has warned that the death toll may rise.
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http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/attack-on-cathedral-was-suicide-bomb-says-egypts-president-3n6dnc2tt
Photo: Mourners carry a coffin draped in the Egyptian flag during a burial service for the victims of one of the deadliest attacks on Egypt’s Christian community. MOHAMED HOSSAM/EPA