Egyptian Armed Forces were heavily deployed in the vicinity of state institutions and places of worship, coinciding with the New Year and Copts celebrations.
"Elements of the military were deployed in the streets for the purpose of cooperating with the interior ministry in securing public institutions, houses of worship, and major roads and traffic hubs during the New Year and Christmas celebrations," according to a statement issued by armed forces on the New Year's Eve.
The deployment comes in implementation of the directives of the general command of the armed forces, the Egyptian military spokesman said on Tuesday.
"Security patrols, combat groups, elements of the military police, and rapid intervention forces were deployed to protect public institutions and vital facilities, as well as to conduct joint checks and patrols in the main streets and squares to ensure the safety of citizens during the celebrations," the statement read.
The Coptic Orthodox Church, to which the vast majority of Egypt’s Christians belong, celebrates Christmas on 7 January.
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Although the majority of Egyptian Christians in Egypt are Orthodox, there are many Christian citizens in Egypt who celebrate Christmas on December 24 holding masses in their churches the following day in the morning.
Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, will lead the upcoming Christmas mass.
Nine years ago, a deadly attack was carried out targeting Copts in Alexandria on January 1, 2011. The Saints Church was the bombing's target. 23 people died and more than 90 were injured as a result of the attack.
At the time of the blast, several thousand Coptic Christians were attending midnight prayer service at the church at the occasion of the New Year 2011.
According to one eyewitness report, the first victim was a Muslim salesperson who sold Quran books across the street from the Saints Church.
Between 5,000 and 10,000 people attended the funeral in the Monastery of Saint Mina.
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