Egypt has extended a nationwide state of emergency for a further three months. The decree authorizes the army and police to undertake necessary measures in combating terrorism. The state of emergency was first imposed in April 2017, after two church bombings killed 47 people. It was then extended in July. CGTN's Yasser Hakim has more.

The crackdown on terrorism continues. It requires exceptional measures to fight militancy. That's why the government has extended the emergency law.

NABIL ZAKI SPOKESMAN, TAGAMO PARTY "The terrorist organizations are trying hard to destabilise Egypt and to overthrow our government and to hinder or put obstacles in the way of our economic development. Before, we cancelled all martial laws and exceptional measures but unfortunately the terrorist activities obliged the government to use emergency laws again to help the organs of the state to fight terrorism especially in Sinai."

The state of emergency has been a concern for some because it gives more powers to security forces. For instance, they can arrest suspects without legal permits.

NABIL ZAKI SPOKESMAN, TAGAMO PARTY "I am not against emergency laws in case it is used only against terrorists but not against other citizens who are trying to practice their democratic rights."

Extending the emergency law needs parliament approval. And it received the required majority vote.

FOUAD ABAZA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT "We have of course approved the extension of the emergency law for two reasons. The first reason is to protect the Egyptian citizens and secondly because it doesn't harm any law abiding citizen it only targets those who want to harm Egypt."

The emergency law was first adopted after the bombing of two churches in April last year. This was followed by establishing a higher council for counter terrorism. But an attack on a mosque in northern Sinai last November killing over 300 people, prompted the Egyptian president to demand more from his forces.

ABDEL FATTAH EL SISI EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT "In front of you all. You are responsible. You are responsible. To restore security and stability in Sinai in three months. You and the Ministry of Interior."

YASSER HAKIM CAIRO, EGYPT "The number of terrorist attacks has been reduced significantly in 2017. However, the threat of extremism is still evident, especially in northern Sinai. And most are hoping it can be eradicated soon as ordered by the president. Yasser Hakim CGTN, Cairo."