Egyptian military and riot police guard the Virgin Mary church in the popular area of Imbaba in the Egyptian capital of Cairo.

:: Egypt’s Interior Ministry has ordered 230, 000 police officers to secure churches ahead of Christmas celebrations across the nation.

A senior official at the ministry quoted by state-run news agency MENA said all security departments are on high alert and will be taking part in protecting 2,626 churches nationwide, including 1,326 Orthodox churches, 1,200 Protestant churches and 200 Catholic churches.

The source pointed out that the police officers from the National Security Agency, Public Security, Central Security Forces, Traffic Department, and Firefighters will take part in the plan.

The plan will include securing all Christian houses of worship, vital institutions and parks frequented during holidays.