A group of gunmen ambushed a convoy carrying a number of Coptic Christians, killing at least 28, with many children among the dead.
The massacre took place in Minya, Egypt, earlier today.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of up to 10 masked men wearing combat fatigues and wielding automatic weapons approached the slow-moving convoy on board four-wheel-drive vehicles, and opened fire when in range.
At least 28 people died in the crossfire, including children, and dozens more were injured. The convoy was ferrying a number of Coptic Christians to the Coptic Orthodox Anba Samuel monastery, located near the southern city of Minya, some 250km (155 miles) south of Cairo.
Egypt special forces were soon at the scene, and immediately began searching for the raiders.
The tragic incident takes place on the eve of the Ramadan.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the atrocity.