One killed in Islamic State attack near monastery in Egypt

April 18 (UPI) -- Gunmen attacked security forces Tuesday near St. Catherine's Monastery in Egypt, killing one police officer and injuring four others, the Health Ministry said.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and bombings at two Coptic Christian churches on Palm Sunday that killed 45 people.

St. Catherine's is part of the Eastern Orthodox Church and a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims each year.

The incidents have raised security fears ahead of a visit by Pope Francis to Cairo at the end of this month.

Egypt's Christian minority comprises about 10 percent of the predominantly Muslim country of 92 million people.