12 protesters killed in south Egypt

At least twelve people have been killed in clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in southern Egypt.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Beni Suef, located about 115 kilometers (72 miles) south of Cairo, on Saturday for a fifth day despite President Hosni Mubarak’s promise to appoint a new cabinet.

Tanks and armored personnel carriers could be seen on the streets of Cairo while fires from Friday’s violence are still smoldering.

Some mobile phone networks resumed service in the capital on Saturday after being shut down by authorities on Friday. Internet services, however, remain cut.

The number of people killed in protests since Friday is reported to be at least 100. More than 2,000 were also wounded in clashes that have rocked Cairo, Suez, and Alexandria.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s main opposition movement, the Muslim Brotherhood, is calling for the establishment of an interim government without the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP).

The Brotherhood said there should be a peaceful transfer of power and advised Egyptians to continue to hold protests.

The Muslim Brotherhood has warned that Egypt will explode if Mubarak continues to refuse to listen to the people’s demands.