CAIRO: New findings by the Ministry of Interior related to the New Year's Day Church bombing revealed on Thursday that a 25-year-old person was behind the suicide bombing that killed 23 and injured 100 in Alexandria. These findings were made after examining 45 pieces of human remains at the scene of the blast. Sources from the Ministry of Interior were quoted by local newspapers are saying the perpetrator used a 25-kilogram explosive device, possibly carried in a school bag. Fingerprints of 118 dead and injured were taken to identify them. The same sources revealed that the blast occurred earlier than planned as the suicide bomber accidentally ignited the bomb with his body while outside the church. Forensic artists have managed to construct a sketch of the alleged suicide bomber, in order to identify him through the government citizens' database. Egypt saw tightened security measures by the Egyptian Authorities to protect the churches on January 6, the eve of Coptic Christmas. Heavy security cordons around the main Coptic Cathedral in Cairo were set up hours before Christmas Eve Mass. Bomb- detectors, dogs, metal detectors and officers were all present to prevent any attack. Police will prevent cars from parking in the vicinity of churches around the country and planned to check identity cards carefully at all entrances and to prevent anyone from entering with bags. Meanwhile, celebrations of Coptic Christmas were scheduled to be broadcast live on State TV and several satellite channels, with special coverage until midnight, uniting their programs under the name, ‘the Egyptians.' BM
