Attacks in Egypt Resort Town Coincide with Coptic Easter Holiday

Three explosions went off in the Egyptian resort town of Dahab, on the Sinai Peninsula, killing and wounding more than 100 casualties. The blasts took place at 7:15 p.m. in two cafeterias and a supermarket, CNN reported.

According to CNN's account, "Because of the Coptic Easter holiday, the resort town is crowded with tourists."

An AP report said that "the streets would have been jammed with tourists, mainly with Europeans, Israelis and expatriates living in Egypt."

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a bright light and hearing an explosion, then seeing people fleeing.

The town has long attracted foreign tourists. According to AP: "For years, Dahab was popular, low-key haven for young Western backpackers - including Israelis - drawn by prime scuba diving sites and cheap hotels, which mainly consisted of huts set up along the beach. In recent years, a number of more upscale hotels have been built, including a five-star Hilton resort."

Reuters reported that a local ambulance service official said many of the dead appeared to be foreigners.

For more on the attacks, follow the following links:

Reuters

AP

CNN