Cairo security chief orders maximum security around Cairo churches

CAIRO - 16 July 2017: Cairo security chief Maj. General Khaled Abdel Aal made a surprise visit Sunday to a number of areas in the capital, including the Cathedral in Abassia, as well as other churches, to inspect the security measures in the city.

Such a step came upon directives from Interior Minister Magdi Abdel Ghaffar to ensure maximum security in the capital and around churches.

During his visit, Abdel Aal mandated bomb disposal experts to continuously comb the areas around churches across Cairo to achieve the highest levels of security.

The security chief also ordered the Rapid Deployment Forces to go on patrols around the capital, and mandated the criminal investigation services to expand the circle of suspicion and utilize the surveillance cameras in churches.

He also directed the field security personnel to constantly coordinate with churches' officials to ensure heightened security.