Violent clashes rage in Cairo
  • 12 years ago
Intense clashes between riot police and protesters continue for a second day in central Cairo.
Security forces launch volley after volley of tear gas into the crowds, who respond with a barrage of stones and bricks.
An Egyptian health ministry source says at least two people have died and many hundreds have been injured.
One pharmacist volunteering in Tahrir Square says the he's seen injuries are from tear gas, police batons, and rubber bullets.
(SOUNDBITE) PHARMACIST, MOHAMED FOUAD, SAYING (Arabic):
"Most of the injuries are suffocation, but from 12 a.m. until dawn there were injuries from large batons and rubber bullets. But today there aren't as many injuries from rubber bullets and batons, only those who get really close, but not like yesterday."
But here in downtown Cairo, the dangers won't scare these protesters off.
The violence erupted early Saturday after security forces tried to break up a peaceful overnight sit-in against military rule.
Since the crackdown thousands have flocked to the area to face off with police -- in fighting reminiscent of some of the worst violence during Egypt's 18-day revolution that toppled President Hosni Mubarak in February.
Travis Brecher, Reuters
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