Security forces have raised the security measures to the highest levels all over the country, in conjunction with Coptic Christmas celebrations in the different governorates, Youm7 reported.
Interior minister Mohamed Ibrahim stated Tuesday that the Cabinet has placed the security of churches at the top of their agenda in their weekly meeting with Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab.
He added in a statement the ministry succeeded to defuse several attempts by alleged terrorists to threaten religious facilities security in the state.
The assistant minister of the interior for the governorate of Marsa Matrouh, General Major Annany Hamoda, told Youm7 police forces have cooperated with the army forces to secure the churches especially in the middle and western regions.
In south Sinai, it was reported that extra security forces were visibly present, and Major General Hatem Ameen, the South Sinai Security Director assured that security borders were located in front of churches to control and monitor all movements around the celebrations.
The same high security measures were reported as well in north Sinai, especially Arish city according to Youm7, as all of the churches were reported to be surrounded by security and army forces during the celebrations.
In Hurghada city, Red Sea Governorate, security forces reportedly to close all the roads that leads to Churches and monasteries, as Major General Hamdy Al-Gazar assured that the re keen to make the governorate completely safe and secure during the celebrations.
In the same context, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Minya decided to cancel all the ceremonies mourning fallen police officers.
The Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbasia, Cairo, was being prepared for hosting Christmas ceremonies and prayers Tuesday night to be presided over by Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, and attended by several social figures, according To Youm7.
