Cairo: At least 9 dead in clashes between Muslims and Christians

Clashes

Clashes between Muslims and Christians in Cairo left at least nine dead and more than 100 wounded, medical and security officials said. In addition, and a church was set on fire.

According to AFP, the two groups clashed after Muslims attacked the Coptic Saint Mena church in Imbaba to free a Christian woman they alleged was being held against her will because she wanted to convert to Islam. At least five of the dead were Copts.

Military police fired their guns into the air as Christians in front of the church and Muslim protesters down the street hurled stones at each other. The Muslim protesters threw firebombs, one of them setting an apartment near the church on fire.

Elsewhere in Imbaba, Muslim protesters threw firebombs at another church, setting it on fire, police officials said.