Tight security at Cairo and Giza squares ahead of Islamist protests

Friday 28-11-2014 10:48 AM
Tight security at Cairo and Giza squares ahead of Islamist protests

Soldiers stand guard at a court and police station as Egyptians vote in during the presidential elections in Cairo, May 26, 2014. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih

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CAIRO, Nov 28 (Aswat Masriya) - Security forces deployed Friday a rapid intervention unit at Rabaa al-Adaweya Mosque's main gate, in anticipation of any violence that might occur during the Islamist protests scheduled today.

The Salafist front is organising protests on Friday November 28, calling on people to take to the streets holding Qurans to "impose the Islamic identity.

The vicinity of Rabaa square witnessed heavy security with 13 armoured vehicles deployed at Tayaran street and five at Nasr street, which lead to the Square, state-run MENA reported.

The Nahda Square in Giza also saw tight security measures. Armed forces deployed an armoured vehicle at Cairo University's main gate and two others on Nahda street. Rapid intervention forces were stationed at the Giza zoo.

Both squares have served as pro-Mohamed Mursi camps since the former president was ousted last July. Security forces dispersed the two sit-ins on August 14, 2013, leaving behind at least 648 killed, according to official figures.

At Tahrir Square, five military vehicles were deployed infront of the Egyptian Museum and four vehicles were deployed infront of the Arab League. Other vehicles were deployed on streets within the square, bringing the total to 21 vehicles.

Barbed wires were placed before army vehicles stationed at the entrances of the square, if the need to close it arose.

Security apparatuses across Egypt had raised their state of alert in main cities and squares on Thursday, in preparation for acts of violence that might occur today.

Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim issued orders to activate maximum security measures to secure vital facilities and police installations, and ensure forces are armed with suitable weapons to deter any attempts to attack them.

Ibrahim said last week that all security apparatuses were ready to "abort the calls of extremist groups which aim for attacking public and private property on November 28."

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