Security forces have arrested 45 people in an operation against Islamists in a town in Upper Egypt which has witnessed numerous attacks on Christians in recent weeks.
A temporary curfew was imposed in Dalja, Minya governorate, on Monday morning as police and army, accompanied by the air force, descended on the town.
The town has witnessed arson attacks on scores of churches, Christian-owned shops, homes and monasteries, according to local activists.
The ancient Virgin Mary church and four others were torched and their medieval artefacts looted, the activists added.