Calm Returns to Cairo after Friday’s Deadly Clashes

Local Editor

Calm returned to Cairo on Saturday after Egypt's military rulers imposed an overnight curfew around the defense ministry following fierce clashes between troops and protesters that killed two people.

On Friday, one soldier was reported to have been killed and hundreds of people hurt in fresh clashes between Egyptian security forces and protesters in Cairo.

Soldiers used water cannons and tear gas outside the defense ministry.

Dozens of people have been arrested and a night-time curfew became in force. Protesters later dispersed and some joined a protest in Tahrir Square.

On Wednesday, unidentified assailants attacked protesters outside the ministry, leaving at least 20 dead.

The protesters, who were demonstrating against the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf), accused the government of orchestrating the attack.

There were some brutal scenes. Eventually the army brought in reinforcements, cleared the whole area and set up a ring of armored vehicles, BBC reported.

Scores of protesters were arrested, and the army said proceedings against them have already started in military courts. It's a stark contrast to the attack on the demonstration on Wednesday - for which it appears no-one has been arrested or charged, despite the deaths of around 20 protesters.

Nevertheless, many Egyptians will applaud the tough way these clashes have been handled. They are longing, above all, simply for a return to law and order, and to normality.

The BBC's Jon Leyne said trouble flared Friday when protesters ignored army warnings not to approach the ministry.

They tried to break through a protective ring of barbed wire and soldiers responded with water cannons and tear gas.

Both sides threw rocks at the other in clashes that lasted several hours.

Later the health ministry said one soldier had been killed and about 300 people wounded. It says about 130 are being treated in hospital.

The clashes erupted just three weeks ahead of Egypt's first presidential election since a popular uprising ousted former president Hosni Mubarak last year.

On Saturday morning, after the curfew ended at 0500 GMT, the protests had subsided in the area surrounding the defense ministry, while soldiers and armored personnel carriers blocked off a road leading to the ministry.

More photos here

Earlier on Friday, military police charged the protesters, chasing them down side streets near the ministry on foot and in military vehicles, firing birdshot and assault rifles into the air amid chaotic scenes, AFP reported.

The presidential election is scheduled for May 23 and 24 with a run-off for June 16 and 17 if there is no outright winner.

The military vowed it would transfer power to civilian rule before the end of June, or by May if there is a clear winner in the first round.

Source: Agencies
05-05-2012 - 13:01 Last updated 05-05-2012 - 13:01

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