A bomb explodes as Coptic Christians in Alexandria, Egypt, leave a new year service, killing 23 people.

The 2011 Alexandria bombing was a harrowing act of terrorism that specifically targeted Coptic Christians in Alexandria, Egypt, on Saturday, 1 January 2011. This tragic event unfolded just after midnight, as Christian worshipers were concluding a New Year's Eve service at the Saints Church, transforming a moment of spiritual reflection and hopeful anticipation into unimaginable devastation.

The impact of the attack was catastrophic: 23 innocent lives were tragically lost, and another 97 individuals sustained injuries, many severe. The sheer scale and timing of the bombing underscored the grave threats faced by religious minorities in the region.

A Decade's Deadliest Assault on Egypt's Coptic Christians

This particular bombing marked the deadliest act of violence perpetrated against Egypt's indigenous Coptic Christian community in over a decade. It tragically surpassed the casualties of the infamous Kosheh massacre in 2000, an earlier outbreak of sectarian conflict that claimed the lives of 20 Copts. These recurring incidents highlight a disturbing pattern of sectarian strife and violence that has periodically plagued interfaith relations in Egypt, Africa's most populous Arab nation and home to the largest Christian minority in the Middle East.

The Target: Saints Church and its Symbolic Proximity

The primary target of this meticulously planned attack was the Saints Church, officially known as the Church of the Two Saints or Al-Qiddissin Church, a prominent Coptic Orthodox church. Its location held significant symbolic weight: the church stands directly across the street from the Masjid Sharq El-Madina mosque. This close proximity between a Christian house of worship and an Islamic one, a common architectural feature in many Egyptian cities reflecting centuries of co-existence, was exploited by the perpetrators. This led to widespread speculation that the attack was deliberately designed to ignite widespread sectarian conflict and destabilize national unity.

Investigations confirmed that a powerful car bomb, laden with explosives, was detonated directly outside the church. While Egyptian authorities initially suggested the involvement of a "foreign element" or domestic extremist cells, the Al-Qaeda in Iraq group (a predecessor to what would later become ISIS) claimed responsibility for the atrocity. Their stated motive cited alleged persecution of Muslims in Egypt. The timing of the attack, occurring just weeks before the momentous 2011 Egyptian Revolution, further exacerbated existing political and social instability, fueling widespread protests and demands for greater security and religious freedom for all citizens.

Immediate Aftermath and Global Condemnation

In the immediate aftermath, thousands of Coptic Christians gathered in Alexandria and other major cities across Egypt to protest the perceived lack of protection and to denounce the escalating violence. The attack drew widespread international condemnation from governments, religious leaders, and human rights organizations worldwide, all of whom called for justice for the victims and enhanced measures to protect religious minorities and uphold human rights.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2011 Alexandria Bombing

What was the 2011 Alexandria bombing?
The 2011 Alexandria bombing was a devastating terrorist attack specifically targeting Coptic Christians in Alexandria, Egypt, on January 1, 2011. It occurred as worshipers were leaving a New Year's Eve church service, resulting in significant casualties.
Who were the victims of the Alexandria bombing?
The victims were primarily Coptic Christian worshipers and bystanders. The attack tragically claimed 23 lives and injured 97 others, making it one of the deadliest assaults against the Coptic community in Egypt in over a decade.
Which church was targeted in the 2011 Alexandria attack?
The primary target of the bombing was the Saints Church, also known as Al-Qiddissin Church, a prominent Coptic Orthodox church located in Alexandria.
What was the broader context of this attack in Egypt?
The bombing occurred amidst a backdrop of increasing sectarian tensions in Egypt and just weeks before the momentous 2011 Egyptian Revolution. It highlighted long-standing issues of religious discrimination and violence against the Coptic minority, prompting widespread calls for better protection, equality, and national unity.
Who claimed responsibility for the Alexandria church bombing?
While Egyptian authorities initially explored various leads, the Al-Qaeda in Iraq group (a precursor to ISIS) ultimately claimed responsibility for the attack. The bombing drew universal condemnation from the international community.