After two bombings in Tanta and Alexandria Sunday morning that have reportedly killed 45 people, Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi declared a three month long state of emergency. The attacks were carried out on two Coptic Orthodox Churches, which account for 10% of Egypt's population. The attacks happened on Palm Sunday, one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar. According to a report by The BBC, the Islamic State has claimed credit for the attacks.
In Egypt, a state of emergency allows for the government to make arrests and search homes without a warrant. This is the first time Egypt has declared a state of emergency since 2013. For more on the situation follow The BBC and The New York Times for up-to-date information.
Egypt President al-Sisi declares three-month state of emergency after IS attacks on Coptic churches kill 45 https://t.co/L1SYvcZkVi
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) April 9, 2017