Egyptian policeman killed in Sinai gun attack
April 19, 2017
Egyptian officials have reported that a gunman attacked a police checkpoint on Tuesday evening, killing one officer and wounding four people.
The attack occurred near the St. Catherine's Monastery in southern Sinai (pictured), a UNESCO heritage site that is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world.
Shortly after the shooting occurred, the so-called "Islamic State" (IS) claimed responsibility through their Amaq news agency.
Minority under attack
The incident comes just over a week after two churches in Egypt were bombed during Palm Sunday services, killing 45 people. The bombings were claimed by an IS affiliate based on the Sinai Peninsula.
The country's Christian minority, which makes up about 10 percent of the total population, has become a frequent target of militants over the past several months.
Pope Francis is planning to visit Egypt at the end of April.
blc/cmk (AP, Reuters, AFP)