Egypt said Sunday it has killed 19 militants suspected of being connected with the jihadists who killed seven Coptic Christians Friday who were traveling to a remote monastery in central Minya province.
The Interior Ministry said the militants were killed in a shootout in the desert west of Minya province. It did not say when the firefight took place.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Christians, but has not provided any evidence.
Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 100 million people. They have long complained of discrimination.