Egypt's state television says rioting by Christians protesting a recent attack on a church has killed at least three soldiers and injured dozens of people.

Rioters set army vehicles on fire and clashed with police Sunday, in the latest sectarian violence.

Many Egyptian Christians blame Muslim radicals for burning a church in southern Egypt last week.

Christians make up about a tenth of Egypt's 80 million people and often face attacks from Islamic extremists. Coptic Christians joined with Muslims during the protests that ousted long-time president Hosni Mubarak, but sectarian troubles have since intensified.

Egypt has been considering new laws designed to stem sectarian violence, including banning protests at places of worship and the use of religious slogans to incite hatred.