Two powerful blasts triggered by Islamic State in two churches packed with worshippers celebrating Palm Sunday in Egypt's Tanta and Alexandria cities.
The explosion took place at St Mark's Cathedral, main Coptic Christian cathedral, in Abbassyia district of central Cairo around 10:00 am when the prayers were on, according to a statement by the ministry of health.
The violence broke out after Coptic Christians protesting against an attack on a church clashed with security forces, forcing authorities to declare curfew in the area.
The Egyptian government has ordered military special forces to assist the police in securing vital state facilities across the country.
Officials suspect Islamic State to be responsible for the attack.
The gunmen in four off-road vehicles opened fire on the people who tried to exit the mosque after the explosion.
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