(REUTERS)
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to a quarter-million security forces will stand guard outside Christmas
celebrations throughout Egypt next week, following a series of church and
mosque bombings that rocked the country earlier this year.
Egypt's
Interior Ministry announced Tuesday that a high security alert has been issued,
and said 230,000 security personnel were being called to secure the country's
Christmas celebrations, which start next week, according to the official state
news agency.
"Holidays
and vacations were canceled for security personnel and officers at all security
directorates across the country," security sources told Middle East News Agency.
Some
2,626 churches across the country, the overwhelming majority of which are Coptic, will
be under protection. Security officers will also be deployed to parks and
popular tourist sites, according to the news agency.
Security
measures will include closed-circuit television and metal detector systems at
places of worship, according to The Christian Post.
The
heightened security comes after deadly attacks at churches and mosques earlier
in the year.
In
the deadliest-ever attack by Islamic extremists in Egypt, militants assaulted a
crowded mosque on Nov. 22 during prayers, gunning down worshippers and
launching rocket-propelled grenades. More than 300 people were killed --
including at least 27 children -- and the assailants got away.
Over
the past year, militants have also carried out bombings of churches in the
capital of Cairo and other cities, killing dozens of Christians.
On
Palm Sunday, suicide bombers struck hours apart at two Coptic churches in
northern Egypt, killing several dozen people and turning services into grisly
scenes.
The
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the violence.
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