Iran raps terrorist church bombings in Egypt

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has denounced the bomb explosions at two Coptic churches in various cities in northern Egypt, warning of bids to sow discord among followers of different divine religions.

“Such criminal measures are planned and implemented in order to incite sectarian strife and create terror and division among followers of divine religions,” Bahram Qassemi said on Sunday.

He stressed the importance of cooperation and vigilance among regional governments and nations to thwart such plots.

“We resolutely condemn any act of aggression against religious sites and gatherings and targeting of defenseless civilians under any pretext and with any motivation,” the Iranian spokesperson said.

Qassemi also expressed sympathy with the Egyptian government, nation and the bereaved families over the “disgraceful and abominable crime.”

In the first of the twin attacks in Egypt, at least 27 people were killed and 78 others injured after a bomb went off inside St. George’s Church in the Nile Delta city of Tanta.

A few hours later, a terrorist rushed toward St. Mark’s Cathedral in the coastal city of Alexandria, the historic seat of Christendom in Egypt, killing at least 16 people and wounding 41 others, the Interior Ministry said.

Later on Sunday, the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group released a statement through Amaq news agency, which is affiliated with the terrorist outfit, claiming responsibility for both church bombings in the Arab country.

Egypt has been facing violence due to terrorist attacks across the country in the past years with Takfiri militants taking advantage of the turmoil caused in the country after its first democratically-elected president, Mohamed Morsi, was ousted by the military in July 2013.