The Ministry of State for Antiquities (MSA) announced a state of emergency at all archaeological sites and museums in Egypt starting Thursday, in order to deal with the possibility of terrorist attacks and sabotage by Muslim Brotherhood members, after the group was designated a terrorist organisation by the government.
Antiquities Minister Mohamed Ibrahim asked Major General Mumtaz Fathi, director of the general administration of the Tourism and Antiquities Police, to take all required measures to tighten security at Egyptian heritage sites.
Ibrahim also said that all vehicles will be prohibited from entering any archaeological site or from parking close to sites or museums.
A bomb attack in the northern city of Mansoura killed 16 people on Tuesday. Sinai-based Ansar Bayt Al-Maqadis claimed responsibility for the attack.
The government on Wednesday declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group. The Brotherhood has denied any links to the bombing.
On Thursday a bomb exploded on a commuter bus in eastern Cairo, injuring five people.
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