As security force tightened their presence around Alexandria’s churches, it simultaneously increased its visibility on Alexandria’s main streets.
Central Security Forces closed all streets surrounding St. Mark and St. Peter Church in Sidi Beshr district, where a deadly bomb killed at least 21 people on New Year’s Eve.
A security source told Al-Masry Al-Youm, "We are not going to permit any gathering around the church or the hospital of St. Mark."
All 14 streets that link to the church and nearby hospital, where victims are hospitalized, were cordoned off by soldiers. Residents living on the street were required to present their IDs.
In another church in the Asafra district, the entrance of the church was cordoned off by metal barriers as six trucks carrying soldiers stood close by. In 2006, the district witnessed fierce clashes between Christians and Muslims during the funeral of a Coptic man who was stabbed to death during a series of attacks on churches in Alexandria.
A microbus driver told Al-Masry Al-Youm that from early morning, police prohibited cars from stopping close to churches.
Some worshippers at the church were required to present evidence of their Christian faith in order to attend Sunday's prayers.
