Retaking Dalga

Egyptian troops have retaken the town of Dalga in Minya Governorate, which had been held by Islamists since the crackdown last month on Morsi supporters. The operation involved both Army and police units and was supported by helicopters.

Dalga has a substantial Coptic population and its Copts have reportedly been subjected to extortion and threats; at least five churches in Dalga, including one ancient one, have reportedly been burned.

The military-backed regime has been criticized for lack of action against Islamist attacks on Copts, and previous attempts to retake the town have failed.