Egypt
Martyrs of Mar Mina and Pope Kyrillos Church, Helwan
29 December 2017
Summary
A terrorist launched an armed attack on the Church of the Martyr Mar Mina the Miracle-Worker and Pope Kyrillos VI in the Helwan district south of Cairo, during preparations for Christmas celebrations. The attack killed 8 Christians and a police conscript who was part of the church security detail. Additionally, two brothers were killed in a separate assault by the same terrorist at a nearby commercial establishment, bringing the total death toll to 10, with 5 others injured. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack that evening.
Incident Details
The terrorist, riding a motorcycle, attempted to breach the outer security perimeter of the church. Security forces and a civilian intervened. An exchange of fire lasting approximately fifteen minutes ensued, during which the terrorist fired randomly at worshippers, passersby, and security forces. Bullets penetrated the main gate of the church and reached the interior, where a large portrait of Pope Kyrillos VI is displayed. Security forces managed to wound and arrest the terrorist, who was found in possession of an automatic weapon, 150 rounds of ammunition, and an explosive vest he had intended to throw inside the church. On his way to the church, the terrorist had opened fire inside a home electronics shop owned by a Christian in the Masaaken Atlas area of Helwan, killing the shop owner's two sons — brothers Romani Shaker and Atif Shaker.
Timeline
28 December 2017
Terrorist kills 3 workers at a toll gate on the Western Desert highway in Beni Suef
29 December 2017, morning
Shooting inside a commercial shop in Masaaken Atlas, Helwan; brothers Romani and Atif Shaker killed
29 December 2017
Armed attack on Mar Mina and Pope Kyrillos Church in Helwan; 8 Christians and 1 police conscript killed
29 December 2017, evening
ISIS claims responsibility for the attack
29 December 2017, 7:00 PM
Funeral prayers for the eight civilian martyrs held at the Church of the Virgin Mary in Helwan
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