17 killed as blast hits church in northern Egypt

By Fiola Fahmi and Amr Thabet

CAIRO (AA) – At least 17 people were killed when a blast struck a church in northern Egypt on Sunday, according to a local security source.

The explosion took place inside St. George church in the Nile Delta city of Tanta, the source told Anadolu Agency, requesting anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media.

The source also said at least 40 people were injured in the explosion.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Egyptian authorities have yet to comment.

The blast occurred on Palm Day, a Christian feast commemorating the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

In December, a bomb blast struck a church in central Cairo, killing more than 25 people and injured scores.