Egypt

Fresh clashes wound 11 policemen in Egyptian capital

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Fresh clashes have erupted between anti-government demonstrators and security forces in the Egyptian capital city of Cairo, state media say.

Egyptian media reported on Monday that at least 11 security forces were injured as clashes turned violent along Qasr al-Nil Bridge in Cairo.

Reports further indicated that outraged protesters set fire to a police vehicle amid the ongoing skirmishes.

The demonstrators are angry at what they call Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi’s failure to fulfill his campaign promises.

This comes as ongoing violence in several Egyptian cities including Cairo, Alexandria, Suez and Port Said has left some 50 people dead since January 25.

Earlier in the day, at least one person was killed in the confrontation between Egyptian protesters and police forces near the iconic Liberation Square.

Violence in the country intensified after Egypt’s cabinet approved a draft law that would allow the president to deploy the armed forces on the streets “to participate with the police in preserving security and protecting vital establishments.”

The law, which should be approved by upper house of the Egyptian parliament, would apply until after the next parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s main opposition group, the National Salvation Front (NSF) has rejected an invitation by the president to solve the crisis through dialogue. They have called for a nationwide protest on Friday.

On Sunday, Morsi announced a state of emergency in the cities of Port Said, Suez, and Ismailia following deadly clashes in the country.

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