Dozens killed in clashes outside Cairo

Dozens were killed in clashes outside Cairo as supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsi battled security forces and residents of various governorates on Friday.

Most clashes erupted as protesters attempted to storm police stations, news reports suggested.

Reuters said five people were killed and 70 injured in Fayoum in clashes between protesters and security forces, while seven were killed and 30 injured in violent confrontations in front of a police station in Damietta, state-run newspaper Al-Ahram reported.

Three people have been killed in Port Said and 64 injured, according to Al-Ahram.

In Ismailia, Al-Ahram reported minor altercations between a Muslim Brotherhood march chanting against the Armed Forces and residents of the area carrying pictures of General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Kafr el-Sheikh and Gharbiya also saw clashes between Brotherhood protesters and police as well as residents. In Gharbiya, four people were killed and 68 injured, according to state TV, while 21 people were arrested in clashes in front of the security directorate.

Police also reportedly foiled an attempt to storm the place where Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb is said to be residing in Luxor, after gunfire was exchanged between both sides.  

Tension is at its height in Alexandria, where thousands of Brotherhood protesters are gathered in Victor Aminual Square, 200 meters from the security directorate.

Ahmed Yehia, an activist for the Revolutionary Socialists in Alexandria, says the scene “is getting chaotic,” and he expected an imminent attack on the directorate.

Yehia told Mada Masr that a march arrived from Al-Qaed Ibrahim Mosque and that protesters attacked residents with live ammunition.

Al-Ahram also reported clashes between the Brotherhood and residents there, with gunfire and birdshots exchanged between the two sides.

Yehia says the military is guarding its institutions and some soldiers are deployed on the Corniche, adding that the police has increased security at police stations and popular security committees are securing the streets.

In Mansoura, 35 people were injured and dozens arrested as security forces used tear gas to disperse pro-Morsi protesters, Al-Ahram reported.