http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/08/201381452017193693.html
Dozens dead as Egypt cracks down on sit-ins
At least 40 people reportedly killed as security forces launch operation to
remove two anti-military sit-ins in Cairo.
Last Modified: 14 Aug 2013 08:34
At least 40 people were reportedly killed as security forces started an
operation to clear pro-Morsi protesters who have been camped out on the streets
of Cairo since the Egyptian president was deposed by the military last month.
On Wednesday morning, live footage from Cairo showed smoke engulfing Nahda
square - which was later completely cleared - and there were reports of tear
gas and birdshot being used on supporters of the ex-president Mohamed Morsi,
who was removed from power on July 3.
Sources on the ground have told Al Jazeera that at least 40 people have been
killed, while the Muslim Brotherhood said at least 250 people were killed, with
over 5,000 injured. There was no independent confirmation of the Brotherhood
toll.
The health ministry said at least six people have been killed, including two
members of the security forces.
The Interior Ministry said 200 people have been arrested, including 50 in the
Rabaa al Adawiyeh sit-in in Nasr City, and 150 in the Nahda Square sit-in in
Giza.
State television also said a number of people were arrested in Nasr city for
having weapons and gas cylinders.
The Interior Ministry also warned in a statement that the forces would deal
firmly with protesters acting "irresponsibly" and said it would guarantee safe
passage to those who want to leave the sites.
By mid-morning, state television reported that security forces had finished
breaking up the sit-in at Nahda Square. Bulldozers were said to have been used
to uproot the camps.
The Interior Ministry said security forces have "total control" over Nahda
Square, and that "police forces have managed to remove most of the tents" in
the area. Security forces had blocked all access to the protest camp.
Al Jazeera's Rawya Rageh, reporting from Cairo, said that "this battle is much
bigger than what you're seeing, and the casualties. This is a fight for the
future of the country, and something that will determine the course of the
Egyptian revolution that has been going on for two years now."
"No one expected this to be an easy operation. It became very clear that both
sides were engaged in a battle of wills and a dangerous game of brinkmanship."
Khaled Daoud, spokesperson for the National Salvation Front, one of the main
opposition blocs against Morsi, told Al Jazeera, "These sit-ins, which are not
peaceful at all, have been around for nearly 48 days, blocking main roads
All
of those sit-ins were the HQs from which demonstrations go out to nearby
military installations, security installations, they clash with people
.
several incidents in which weapons have been seen with supporters of the Mulsim
Brotherhood."
"We've been living in a standstill for the past 48 days, cannot move around the
city, storming government ministries
not peacefully oriented or intended."
Call to the streets
In response to the security operation, the Muslim Brotherhood has urged
Egyptians to take to the streets to "stop a massacre".
"This is not an attempt to disperse, but a bloody attempt to crush all voices
of opposition to the military coup," Brotherhood spokesman Gehad al-Haddad said
on Twitter.
The organisers of a protest at Rabaa al-Adawiya, where several Brotherhood
leaders are staying, "is calling on Egyptians to take to the streets to stop
the massacre," Haddad said.
Security forces also stormed Nasr City, and there were reports that snipers
opened fire on protesters at Rabaa al-Adawiya square.
Security forces said the snipers are only firing tear gas.
Al Jazeera's D. Parvaz said she was prevented from accessing the sit-in and
that "there is absolutely no access to the Rabaa al Adawiyeh sit-in except for
police and medical services."
"Pro-Morsi supporters are making calls to their supporters, including those in
other governates, to tell them to join the protest," she said.
According to our correspondent, all traffic is blocked in the area.
"Many people are being killed right now ...What we can expect is only worse,"
said Laila, a member of Egypt's Anti-Coup Alliance, a pro-Morsi group. "What's
happening now is a crime against humanity."
The action follows weeks of warnings from the interim leadership that force
would possibly used to clear the protesters.
At least one person was killed on Tuesday, and many others injured in clashes
between supporters and opponents of Egypt's ousted president
Source:
Al Jazeera and agencies
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