After the 48-hour ultimatum given for the church to release allegedly detained women, the al-Qā‘idah in Iraq group issued a statement announcing that Egyptian Christians have now become a legitimate target for Jihadists. Authorities have taken intense security measures for churches since the threats, resulting in Pope Shenouda III prohibiting civilian cars from entering the ‘Abbāsiyyah Cathedral parking lot.

Key Words: al-Qā‘idah – Iraq – Bishop Sergius – Pope Shenouda III – Los Angeles Times – Luxor