Bombs tore through two Egyptian churches in different cities as worshippers were marking Palm Sunday, killing at least 44 people and wounding around 126 in an assault claimed by the ISIS. (Photo: AP)
The Copts were largely supportive of the military overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, and incurred the wrath of many Islamists, who attacked churches and other Christian institutions after his ouster. (Photo: AP)
ISIS said in a statement that two Egyptian suicide bombers named Abu Ishaq al Masri and Abu al Baraa al Masri carried out the church attacks and vowed to continue attacks against Christians. (Photo: AFP)
The Health Ministry said six Muslims were among the dead in Alexandria. (Photo: AFP)
The attacks highlighted the difficulties facing el-Sissi's government in protecting Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt's population. (Photo: AFP)
Later, an explosion hit Saint Mark's Cathedral in the coastal city of Alexandria, the historic seat of Christendom in Egypt, killing at least 16 people and wounding 41 just after Pope Tawadros II finished services. (Photo: AFP)
In the first, attack, a bomb exploded at Saint George church in the Nile Delta city of Tanta, killing at least 27 people and wounding over 78, officials said. (Photo: AFP)
The blasts came at the start of Holy Week leading up to Easter.