(VOVworld) – Egypt has declared 3 days of national mourning for victims of deadly bombings at two churches in the cities of Alexandria and Tanta on Sunday. The Egyptian government has strengthened national security, declared a three-month state of emergency, and formed a supreme council to counter terrorism and extremism. 

Security officers investigate the site of bombing in Tanta. (Photo: EPA/VNA)

The casualty count rose to 170 on Monday, state media reported. At least 16 were killed outside a church in Alexandria and 27 people were killed inside a church in the northern city of Tanta.

Video footage indicates the two bombing were suicide bombings.