Egypt's state-run news agency said on Sunday a blast at Cairo's main Coptic Christian cathedral killed 25 people and injured 35 others. The injured were taken to the hospital.
Some reports said that the blast took place near the church, while others said it occurred inside. This is not the first time the church was attacked. In 2013, a Muslim mob had attacked the church during sectarian violence.
"Fourteen ambulances transferred the injured to Dar Al-Shefaa and Demerdash hospitals," a statement issued by the Ministry of Health said.
Armed forces have been deployed in the area after it was predicted that the death toll would increase. The attack took place during a public holiday celebrating birth of Prophet Mohammed.
The explosion took place around 10 am local time near the largest church in Egypt and Northeast Africa. The hanging church holds religious significance and is a famous tourist spot.
Local media reported that Cairo's security chief, Khalid Abdel Aal, arrived to inspect the scene. No group has taken responsibility yet.
Egypt has at least 10 percent Coptic Christians. The incident took place at St Mark Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassiya.
Egypt has been the subject of low-intensity bombs in the past week. On Friday, two bombs killed six policemen and injured six others. One of the bombs was on a main road leading to the pyramids at Giza.
Video of the explosion #Cairo #Egypt https://t.co/7Q4YKfHF29
— Michael Horowitz (@michaelh992) December 11, 2016
