CAIRO: Egypt’s parliament approved on Sunday the extension of a nationwide state of emergency for three months from July 14.
Egypt imposed the emergency in 2017 after two church bombings killed at least 45 people. It was last extended in April.
Egypt faces an Islamic State insurgency in the remote North Sinai region that has killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen in recent years and has expanded to include attacks on civilians.
Other Islamists operating in the western desert bordering Libya have also attacked security forces.
Egypt to extend state of emergency for three months
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (C) attendes an urgent meeting after the gunmen attack in Minya, together with leaders of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and the Supreme Council for Police, at the Ittihadiya presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt May 26, 2017 in this handout picture courtesy of the Egyptian Presidency. The Egyptian Presidency/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY.