Al Qaeda in Iraq had issued a deadline for the release of alleged female prisoners . The group has been holding hundreds of women and girls since it took over Mosul last year. Most of the hostages were killed or wounded when the attackers set off explosives inside the church , Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul Qader Obeidi said . Egypt reinforces security at churches around the country .
Al Qaeda in Iraq had issued a deadline for the release of alleged female prisoners . The group has been holding hundreds of women and girls since it took over Mosul last year. Egypt reinforces security at churches around the country .