Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood supporters march in Cairo on August 16, 2013
during a demonstration in support of Egypt's ousted president Mohamed Morsi.
(AFP Photo / Engy Imad)
Shooting has erupted in central Cairo at a massive "March of Anger" as pro-Morsi supporters and other opponents of the military protested Wednesday's brutal security crackdown. More than a dozen people have been reported killed in clashes across Egypt.
The Muslim Brotherhood and their allies in the Anti-Coup Alliance called for nationwide demonstrations Friday following the break up of two Islamist sit-in camps by government forces earlier this week. More than six hundred people died in Wednesday's violent dispersal of protesters, who are still contesting the military-backed ousting of ex-President Mohamed Morsi last month.
Officials have already reported the deaths of at least 17 Morsi supporters, and 15 law enforcement officials throughout Egypt, with scores more wounded.
Following Friday prayers, protesters chanting “Down with military rule!” marched from northeast Cairo toward Ramses Square in the center of the city, and several large mosques.
State TV broadcast a warning from the security services that the army and police force would deal firmly with any "violation of the law." The Interior Ministry has authorized the use of "lethal force" if protesters attack security forces or government facilities.
The tension escalated as anti-coup protesters were reported to be shooting automatic weapons from the May 15 bridge - a bottleneck in the heart of the city - before it became engulfed in clouds of tear gas released by the police.
Protesters also firebombed a police station just off Ramses Square.
Military outposts have been constructed around key government buildings in anticipation of further violence.
Violence has also been reported elsewhere in the country.
A railroad north of Cairo connecting the cities of Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh was damaged in a bomb attack. No casualties were immediately reported. Authorities are working to restore rail services.
Four pro-Morsi protesters were reportedly killed and 11 others injured in clashes with police in the northern city of Ismailia.
In the northern city of Damietta eight protesters were killed, Reuters reported, citing medical workers.
There was also a shooting of a policeman in the Sinai Peninsula and an attempt to torch a club for judges in northern Egypt, which resulted in several cars being burned.
And security sources said clashes had broken out between Morsi loyalists and security forces in Tanta, north of the capital.
Tamarod, the movement involved in protests that led to the military toppling Morsi, has called for counter-demonstrations.
A small group of pro-government supporters has remained in Tahrir Square since Morsi’s ouster.
Egyptian authorities on Thursday cited the need to protect state property and ensure people’s security as the reason for authorizing the use of lethal force against protesters.
Islamists have carried out attacks multiple attacks this week, targeting government facilities and churches used by Christian Copts.
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