Release International

Bomb attacks on Christians in Egypt and Iraq have claimed several lives over the New Year.

At least 21 people were killed and 79 injured when a bomb went off outside the Church of the Two Saints in Alexandria in the early hours of January 1.

Meanwhile, in Baghdad, at least two Christians died and 13 were hurt in a series of bomb attacks targeting Christians in the Iraqi capital on December 30.

Worshippers at the Coptic Church of the Two Saints in Alexandria were leaving a midnight service celebrating the New Year when a suspected suicide bomber detonated explosives. As well as claiming lives, the blast caused extensive damage to the church and a nearby mosque. Eight Muslims were among the injured.

The apparently co-ordinated attacks in Baghdad on December 30 were all targeted at Christian homes in Christian neighbourhoods. In one incident, attackers left a bomb on a doorstep in the Ghadir district, rang the bell, then fled. Elderly couple Fawzi Rahim, 76, and his 78-year-old wife, Janet Mekha, were killed instantly when they opened the door.

Police confirmed to Associated Press news agency that six other homes in Baghdad were targeted by bombs, stun grenades or rockets.

So far no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks in either Iraq or Egypt but commentators have noted earlier threats by militants in Iraq to attack Christians in both countries (Prayer Alert, November 24, 2010). These militants accuse the Coptic church in Egypt of abducting three women who, militants say, have converted to Islam. The Coptic church denies the allegation.

The attack in Alexandria, Egypt, triggered clashes between local Christians and Muslims and police had to use tear gas to disperse the crowds. However, on Sunday morning in Cairo, hundreds of Muslims and Christians came together in a demonstration condemning the bomb attack and showing solidarity with the Copts. Christians and Muslims also joined a similar protest in Alexandria, close to the scene of the attack.

At the Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad, where more than 50 Christians were killed in a siege in October, Muslims and Christians assembled on New Year's Eve to watch a play about a woman whose son was killed in the attack.

(Sources: Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, Middle East Concern)

• Ask God to comfort and heal all those who have been wounded or bereaved in these brutal attacks. Pray that Christians in Egypt and Iraq will be encouraged to see God at work in their hearts and in their communities.

• Continue to pray that the authorities in Iraq and Egypt will step up security to protect vulnerable Christian communities from targeted attacks.

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