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Dozens dead as masked gunmen ambush convoy carrying Egyptian Coptic Christians Children among dozens killed as masked gunmen ambush convoy of Egyptian Coptic Christians
(35 minutes later)
Masked gunmen opened fire on two buses and a truck carrying Coptic Christians in Minya, Egypt on Friday, killing at least 26 and injuring 26 according to local medical sources. Gunmen opened fire on two buses and a truck carrying Coptic Christians in Minya, Egypt on Friday, killing at least 26, including children. Some 26 people were also injured in the attack.
The attack happened as the victims traveled from Beni Suef province to the Anba Samuel monastery near the southern city of Minya, according to local security sources, cited by Haaretz. The group of between eight and 10 gunmen approached the convoy in three four-wheel-drive pickup trucks before opening fire, according to local media reports and the Egyptian Interior Ministry.
There is no immediate claim of responsibility. Security chiefs established a perimeter around the scene as the investigation into the attack begins.
The provincial governor, Essam al-Bedaiwy, confirmed the preliminary death toll, reports Reuters. The shooting, which occurred on the eve of Ramadan, happened as the victims travelled from Beni Suef province to the Coptic Orthodox Anba Samuel monastery near the southern city of Minya, 250km (155 miles) south of Cairo, according to local security sources, cited by Haaretz.
There is no immediate claim of responsibility. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called an emergency meeting of security officials in the wake of Friday’s attack, Reuters reports.
Ambulances dispatched from the cities of Beni Suef and Minya are transporting victims to local hospitals in Adwa, Minya, Maghagha, according to local news outlet Youm7.Ambulances dispatched from the cities of Beni Suef and Minya are transporting victims to local hospitals in Adwa, Minya, Maghagha, according to local news outlet Youm7.
The US Embassy in Cairo warned of an imminent but unspecified terrorist attack on the night of May 24.The US Embassy in Cairo warned of an imminent but unspecified terrorist attack on the night of May 24.
“The Embassy is aware of a potential threat posted on a website by the Hassm Group, a known terrorist organization, suggesting some kind of unspecified action this evening,” the Egypt mission said in a statement.“The Embassy is aware of a potential threat posted on a website by the Hassm Group, a known terrorist organization, suggesting some kind of unspecified action this evening,” the Egypt mission said in a statement.
On Easter Sunday, April 9, twin suicide bombs targeting Coptic Christians killed at least 44 people and injured more than 118  in Tanta and Alexandria. Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attacks. On Sunday, April 9, twin suicide bombs targeting Coptic Christians killed at least 44 people and injured more than 118  in Tanta and Alexandria. Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Coptic Christians make up roughly 10 percent of Egypt's population of 92 million.Coptic Christians make up roughly 10 percent of Egypt's population of 92 million.