Egypt
The Martyrs of the Road to Saint Samuel the Confessor Monastery
26 May 2017
Summary
Vehicles carrying Coptic Christian families traveling to visit the Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor in the Qalmon Mountains, west of Minya Governorate, were attacked in a terrorist assault. Approximately 28 to 29 people — including children, women, and men — were killed, and more than 24 others were injured. The Coptic Orthodox Church gave the martyrs of this day the title 'New Martyrs of Qalmon,' and an annual memorial is held on 26 May.
Incident Details
Three vehicles were heading to the monastery for pilgrimage: a minibus carrying families from Nazlat Hanna village (Fashn Center, Beni Suef) and relatives from Beni Mazar Center in Minya; a pickup truck carrying workers from Deir al-Garnous village in Maghagha Center; and another pickup truck carrying a contractor and his companions from Abu Qirqas Center, on their way to carry out repairs at the monastery. About 10 kilometers from the dirt road entrance, militants opened fire on the first bus, which stopped after the driver and several passengers were hit. Some attackers then boarded the bus and demanded passengers recite the shahada (Islamic declaration of faith). When some women refused, the attackers looted gold, money, and phones before opening fire again. The same assault was repeated on the other two vehicles along the same road.
Timeline
Later (not precisely specified)
Several attackers killed in security encounters in the Western Desert of Minya
Not precisely specified
Court verdict: 4 defendants sentenced to death, 5 others to hard labor
26 May 2017 (Friday morning)
Armed attack on three vehicles heading to the Monastery of Saint Samuel; approximately 28–29 people killed
August 2017
Ministry of Interior announces the arrest of several perpetrators after months of pursuing them
2 November 2018
Repeat attack on two buses returning from a monastery visit; 7 Copts killed and 18 injured
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