Initial BBC reports said that an explosion at St. George's Coptic church in Tanta killed 29 people. Hours later, a blast outside St. Mark's Coptic church in Alexandria left 16 dead.

The BBC said so-called Islamic State (IS) claimed it was behind the explosions, the latest in a series of attacks targeting the Christian minority in the country.

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi ordered military deployments across Egypt.

In a statement, he said the army would be sent to protect "vital and important infrastructure." The government announced three days of mourning.

State media reported that inn Alexandria, Pope Tawadros II, head of the Coptic Church, had been attending Mass inside the targeted church but was not hurt. (Photo Credit: EPA via Assist News Service)

Four police officers, including one policewoman, were among those killed, the interior ministry said. The suicide bomber blew himself up after they stopped him from entering the church.

The BBC reported the first explosion in Tanta, 58 miles north of Cairo, took place near the altar of the church. It remains unclear if it was also caused by a suicide bomber.

"I saw pieces of body parts and broken seats. There was so much blood everywhere, some people had half of their bodies missing. The first three rows [inside the church] were destroyed," Nabil Nader, an eyewitness, said ...

The BBC said the blasts appear to have been timed for maximum impact, as people gathered to mark Palm Sunday, one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar, marking the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Egyptian security forces had been put on alert in anticipation of attacks.

The attacks come weeks before an expected visit by Pope Francis intended to show support for the country's Christian minority. He condemned the explosions.

"I pray for the dead and the injured, and I am close in spirit to the family members [of the victims] and to the entire community," the Pope said...

William Stark, ICC's Regional Manager, said, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Christian families affected by these deadly attacks.

"No one should have to fear senseless violence like this for simply attending a church service. These bombings represent the second and third church bombings Egypt's Christians have had to endure in recent months.

"Action must be taken by Egypt's authorities to secure the country's Christian communities and their places of worship, especially as we enter Holy Week. Unless decisive action is taken, attacks like these will likely continue."

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Assist News Service

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