Story highlights Coptic Christians make up roughly 10% of Egypt's population

The Christian minority traces its origins back to the Apostle Mark

(CNN) A gun attack that killed at least 26 Coptic Christians on a bus in Egypt is just the latest assault on the religious minority group, which has been a target for deadly violence throughout its history.

Ten masked gunman in fatigues opened fire from three vehicles at the passengers as they traveled Friday to a monastery near the city of Minya, the Interior Ministry said. Twenty-five others have been injured, and children are among the victims.

Here's what you need to know about Egypt's native Christians, who trace their origins back to ancient times.

Millions in minority

Coptic Christians in Cairo pray for the victims of EgyptAir Flight 804 crash in May 2016.

The largest Christian community in the Middle East, Coptic Christians make up the majority of Egypt's roughly 9 million Christians. About 1 million more Coptic Christians are spread across Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States, according to the World Council of Churches.

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