Terrorist attack at Egyptian church, 9 dead

Medical staff came to assist the victims. Photo: Reuters.

Two terrorists attacked the Mar Mina mosque in Helwan in the Egyptian capital Cairo just before Friday prayers, Egyptian Streets reported today.

Witnesses said a man with an automatic weapon got out of a car and opened fire on the church, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm. Seven civilians, including a woman passing by the church, were killed in the shooting, and 10 were injured, the Egyptian Health Ministry said.

Police arrived at the scene shortly after and exchanged gunfire to prevent the two terrorists from entering the church. After the gunfight, one terrorist was killed and two policemen were killed.

Egypt's Interior Ministry said it had foiled a larger attack involving explosives. The condition of the second gunman is unclear. Some reports said there was only one attacker, but police have not confirmed this.

Police have blocked off all roads leading to the church and are searching the area for explosives.

According to VNE