Interior minister reviews January 25 security plan

Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim warned Sunday against unrest on the anniversary of the January 25 revolution, promising tightened security around all essential facilities in anticipation of potential violence.

During a meeting with his assistants and other officials to review the security plan for the celebrations, Ibrahim said that any acts of violence against vital facilities, government buildings and security forces would be deal with firmly, reported state-run Al-Ahram newspaper.

Ibrahim stressed the need for greater security and more patrols on main roads, ring roads and highways between governorates, including increased car patrols, special operations, central security forces and mobile units. The minister added that security in prisons, police stations and other sensitive facilities would also be enhanced and that all units would be fully armed in anticipation of violent outbreaks.

Last week, the interior minister made a statement to privately owned Al-Mehwar TV Channel saying that the ministry is currently studying the possibility of changing Police Force Day to June 30, instead of January 25, as he said the day marks the return of good relations between the Egyptian people and the police. 

He also stated that the Muslim Brotherhood intends to create chaos on January 25, especially around the Tahrir Square area in downtown Cairo.