The Egyptian Government has declared a three-month state of emergency after two explosions at Coptic churches on Palm Sunday killed at least 44 and injured several others.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb blasts at Mar Girgis Coptic Church in the Nile Delta city of Tanta and St Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria, according to media sources.
Reuters quoted ISIS as saying: "Crusaders and their apostate allies should know the bill between us and them is very big and they will pay it with rivers of blood from their children, god willing. Wait for us, for we will wait for you.”
Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced plans to set up a supreme council to fight against terrorism and extremism, CNN reported.
Sisi was quoted by CNN as saying: "We have to pay attention because of Egypt and Egypt's future. We know this is a big sacrifice but we are capable of facing it.
"The attack will not undermine the resolve and true will of the Egyptian people to counter the forces of evil, but will only harden their determination to move forward on their trajectory to realise security, stability and comprehensive development.”
The US Department of State has condemned the blasts as 'barbaric attacks'.
US Department of State acting spokesperson Mark C. Toner said: “The US will continue to support Egypt's security and stability in its efforts to defeat terrorism.”
