Elements of the Egyptian military have been deployed in the streets to cooperate with the interior ministry in securing public institutions, houses of worship, and major roads and traffic hubs during the New Year and Christmas celebrations, a statement from the armed forces said.
The deployment comes in implementation of the directives of the general command of the armed forces, the Egyptian military spokesman said.
According to the statement, security patrols, combat groups, elements of the military police, and rapid intervention forces have been deployed to protect public institutions and vital facilities, as well as to conduct joint checks and patrols in the main streets and squares to ensure the safety of citizens during the celebrations.
The Coptic Orthodox Church, to which the vast majority of Egypt s Christians belong, celebrates Christmas on 7 January. The day is a bank holiday.
