Wave of violence in governorates as protesters fight security forces, each other

As thousands celebrated in downtown Cairo’s Tahrir Square to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the October 6 War, riots erupted in the capital and other governorates as Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated protesters clashed with security forces and civilians.

The Health Ministry reported that as of Sunday evening, at least 28 were killed and 94 injured nationwide.  

In Qaliubiya, security forces arrested 25 individuals they said belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood, accusing them of possessing 51 hand grenades. The suspects were arrested as the security forces attempted to disperse clashes between protesters and area residents next to a metro station on the outskirts of Cairo.  

In Suez, widely thought to be a major hub for the Salafi movement, seven were injured in clashes between demonstrators who support the military-backed government, and those protesting against what they call a military-led coup against Brotherhood-affiliated former President Mohamed Morsi. Violence also erupted in Beheira when pro-Morsi protesters who organized a march in Kafr al-Dawar village skirmished with residents celebrating the October 6 holiday.

Similar incidents occurred in Upper Egypt throughout the day. In Aswan, a bastion of Morsi supporters, security forces fired tear gas after Muslim Brotherhood members allegedly tried to enter the Martyrs Square, which was blocked off for October 6 celebrations. Fifteen were arrested pursuant to the events.