The BBC reports that at least 23 people have been killed and many more injured at the Egyptian resort town of Dahab on the Red Sea coast. Three explosions in quick succession were heard at around 7.15pm local time on Monday 24 April. Apparently body parts and debris were witnessed near the main shopping area of the town. The prime suspect at this time is al-Qaeda. Dahab is a popular beach and diving resort attracting thousands of package tourists from Europe and Israel, as well as backpackers from all over the world.

According to the British newspaper The Times the attacks appeared to be directed mainly at Egyptian and Israeli tourists, who celebrate holidays at this time of year. The attacks came on the eve of a traditional spring festival called Sham el Nisseem which literally means "sniffing the breeze".

Egypt has seen attacks against tourists rise in the last year. In July 2005, at least 80 people were killed in Sharm el-Sheikh another resort town on the Red Sea. And 3 people were killed by bombs set off in Cairo in April, 2005.

A a recent poll on this site put Egypt at the top of the list of countries people would like to visit most in Africa. Let us know if this latest bombing would change your mind about traveling to Egypt?

More News Stories About the Dahab Bombing:

• Egypt is forced to Confront Terrorist Reality from The Times

• Tourists Die in Bomb Blasts at Red Sea Resort from The Times

• Triple Blasts Rock Egypt Resort from the BBC

• In pictures: Dahab Blast from the BBC

• 3 Bombs Rip Through Egyptian Resort from CNN