In 2000, 21 Christians were killed in an attack by Muslims of Arab tribes.[2] Security forces (SSI) arrested over one thousand two hundred Coptic Christians in Sohag on the 15th of August 1998.[3] There were riots between Copts and Muslims of Arab tribes in 1999.[4] Monk and prophet Shenute (about 350–465; Abbot of the White Monastery) was a key figure in the struggle against idolatry.[5] The governorate was the site of violent clashes of Islamists versus the government.