Botroseya Church Bombing
Botroseya Church Bombing
The Botroseya Church bombing was a tragic incident that occurred on December 11, 2016, at St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, commonly known as El-Botroseya Church, located in the Abbassia district of Cairo, Egypt. This horrific attack resulted in the death of 29 people and injuring 47 others, marking one of the deadliest assaults on the Coptic Christian community in recent history.
Background
St. Peter and St. Paul's Church is a chapel adjacent to the Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, one of the most significant religious sites for Coptic Christians in Egypt. The Coptic Orthodox Church has faced numerous challenges and attacks throughout history, including the 2011 Alexandria bombing and other incidents targeting the community, such as the Kosheh massacres and the Nag Hammadi massacre.
The Attack
On the morning of December 11, 2016, the peaceful atmosphere of the Botroseya Church was shattered when an explosive device detonated inside the church compound. The explosion occurred around 10:00 am during a Sunday service, causing chaos and devastation. According to reports, a device containing approximately 12 kilograms (26 lb) of TNT was used.
Initial investigations suggested that the bomb was either a suicide vest worn by the attacker or a remotely activated device. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi later identified the bomber as 22-year-old Mahmoud Shafiq Mohammed Mustafa, who had worn a suicide vest. The attackers were linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Reactions
The attack on Botroseya Church drew widespread condemnation and sorrow both domestically and internationally. Pope Francis expressed his condolences to Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, emphasizing solidarity with the Coptic community and mourning the loss of life. The Egyptian government launched a comprehensive investigation, leading to the arrest of several individuals suspected to be involved in planning the bombing.
Context
The Botroseya Church bombing is part of a broader pattern of violence against Christians in Egypt, including the 2017 Palm Sunday church bombings and the 2011 Imbaba church attacks. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by minority religious communities in Egypt and the need for enhanced security and interfaith dialogue.