Bomb blast kills 21 in Egyptian church

Egyptians officials say a bombing outside a Coptic Christian church in Alexandria has killed at least 21 people.

The attack early Saturday in the northern Egyptian city took place where worshippers had gathered to celebrate Mass on New Year’s Eve.

Egypt’s Interior Ministry said several people were wounded in the blast, which occurred just a half hour into New Year’s Day.

The explosion came from a car parked in front of the church.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack.

Al-Qaida’s affiliate in Iraq has claimed responsibility for other recent bombings, saying they were retaliation for two Egyptian Christian women who converted to Islam.  Al-Qaida says the women are being held hostage by the Christians for having converted.
Source: VOA