Egypt police break pro-Mursi camp in Cairo

Egyptian security forces broke up a set-in by backers of ousted President Mohammad Mursi in an area of Cairo on Friday, prompting heavy clashes in nearby streets.

Egyptian media reported that 26 people were injured in the violence that took place in the north-eastern Cairo’s Matariya district.

Meanwhile, two roadside bombs exploded near a patrol car in Cairo, and police fired tear gas at protesters in Alexandria, security officials in Egypt said.

One policeman was slightly wounded when his patrol car was hit by two roadside bombs in a Cairo suburb, the interior ministry said, according to AFP.

The capital has been rocked by several bombings and shootings targeting police over the past week.

On Jan. 24, a day before the third anniversary of the 2011 uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak, a car bombing hit police headquarters, one of four bombs targeting the force in the city.

Six policemen were killed that day.

Four days later, police general Mohammad Saeed, an aide to the interior minister, was killed outside his home by gunmen on a motorbike.

Supporters of Mursi, who was ousted by the army on July 3, had called for protests on Friday.

Police fired tear gas to disperse a pro-Mursi demonstration when the deposed Islamist's supporters clashed with opponents in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, security officials said.

Similar pro-Mursi demonstrations were staged in Cairo, Sharqiya and Fayoum, they said.

The military-installed authorities have launched a deadly crackdown on Mursi's supporters, mostly Islamists, since his removal.

Rights group Amnesty International says that at least 1,400 people have been killed in the crackdown.

Mursi supporters continue to stage regular protests demanding his reinstatement.

(With AFP)