Fighter jets fly over Cairo as rival marches take to the streets

Military fighter jets circled over Tahrir Square and Cairo’s downtown area early on Sunday, ahead of rallies planned to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1973 October 6 War.

By noon, thousands of military supporters had descended on Tahrir, which since Saturday was closed off to traffic. Heavy security forces monitored the entrances to the square.

The five main entrances were fitted with new metal detectors. Police dogs and security personnel thoroughly searched those entering Tahrir.

Inside the square, pro-military posters were abundant as well as pictures of Defense Minister Colonel General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Families with their children in tow were enjoying the celebratory mood.

Ahmed Khalil, in his 40s, told Mada Masr he came to Tahrir with his family to “show gratitude for the Egyptian army’s efforts and in support of Sisi,” who he hopes will run for president. Khalil said he wasn’t afraid of the rival protests planned by MB supporters, since the military is present heavily around the square.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement that it would confront any attempts to spoil the celebrations.

Mohamed Rabie, a 36-year-old employee in the Giza Youth and Sports Authority, said his employers asked him to celebrate October 6 in Tahrir: “They asked me to come here with my colleagues, but I don’t see it as a command, because we all love the military and are against the Muslim Brotherhood and terrorism.”

The Tamarod (Rebel) movement also called on Egyptians to take to the streets and mark October 6 in protests supporting the Armed Forces. This grassroots movement had mobilized for the June 30 protests that led to Morsi’s ouster.

Mahmoud Badr, a leading Tamarod member, said, “The people will not allow anyone to steal their revolution, and will not allow armed gangs to impose their will on the people.”

Rival protests are planned by an umbrella group which calls itself the Anti-Coup Alliance, comprising supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, political forces calling for the reinstatement of deposed President Mohamed Morsi, and other citizens that oppose the army-backed interim government.

The Anti-Coup Alliance called on supporters to gather at several spots around Cairo and head to Tahrir Square on time for the afternoon prayers. Armed Forces and Central Security Forces have increased their presence in anticipation of any confrontations between the two sides.

The main streets around the Ettehadiya Presidential Palace in Heliopolis and Nahda Square in Giza have also been sealed off. Some reports suggest they will remain closed until Monday.

The security directorates of Alexandria, Suez, Port Said, Qena and other governorates have said that security has been tightened around the main squares on Sunday, according to the state news agency.

Four protesters were killed on Friday as clashes erupted in different cities as Muslim Brotherhood supporters tried to hold anti-military protests. According to the state-run Middle East News Agency, the protesters were trying to reach Tahrir. Brotherhood-led protests against the interim government have been sporadic since Morsi’s ouster, often leading to deadly clashes with area residents and security forces.