Terrorist cell members accused of planning attack on church sent on 15-day remand

CAIRO – 14 August 2018: Egypt’s prosecution remanded the six defendants believed to have planned the failed terrorist attack targeting the Virgin Mary Church in Mostrod 15 days pending investigations.

The defendants faced charges of belonging to an outlawed terrorist group, preventing state institutions from carrying out their duties, damaging national unity and social stability, attempting to overturn the regime, and targeting Copts and places of worship.

The attempted suicide attack was foiled due to the intensified security measures outside the church, security sources announced on Saturday morning.

In press remarks, security sources said that the attacker was disguised as a construction worker in order to easily pass through the security barricades springing up along the church and that he was forced to retract; then his explosive belt exploded far away atop the Mostorod Bridge, killing only the attacker.

“The procedures posted outside the church make the infiltration of any terrorist carrying explosives an impossible feat to pull off, pointing out that the security guards are positioned through a series of multi-layered security cordons with intensified security measures buoyed up by ocular inspection of cars and people going into the church,” the sources added.

On Saturday, security forces thwarted a suicide attempt to attack the Virgin Mary church located near Shoubra El-Kheima district of Qalioubiya governorate.

The church of Virgin Mary is currently witnessing celebrations of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary; the celebrations take place between Aug. 7 and Aug. 21.