Egypt to declare state of emergency after church attacks

Egypt will impose a state of emergency for three months following the attacks on churches in Tanta and Alexandria on Sunday, Egypt’s official State Information Service reported.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, who chaired a meeting of National Defense Council after the attacks, also announced enhanced anti-terrorism measures that include tighter control at all borders, ports and crossings. All security agencies have been ordered on high alert.

Sisi also announced the formation of a supreme council on combating terrorism and extremism in Egypt, pending legal and constitutional measures, the report said.

At least 44 people were killed in two church bombings in the Nile Delta cities.

Daesh has claimed responsibility for the attacks, news agencies reported, citing statement on the group’s news agency Amaq.