For story suggestions please contact tips@nma.com.tw

Originally published on August 17, 2013

Egypt is braced for fresh confrontation after the Islamist supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi called for a "day of rage" and nationwide marches following Friday prayers in the wake of a deadly crackdown on two anti-government sit-ins that killed hundreds."

In what proved to be the deadliest day seen in Egypt since the 2011 popular uprising, Wednesday's violence saw at least 638 people confirmed killed and nearly 4,000 wounded.

Violence erupted after security forces used automatic weapons and sniper fire on two sit-ins in Cairo, where supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi had camped out demanding his reinstatement.

Despite harsh rebukes from Western allies, the use of force was defended by Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi, who claimed the army-backed government had no choice.

"We found that matters had reached a point that no self-respecting state could accept," said the interim Prime Minister in a televised address, according to a Reuters report.

Violence spread, as Thursday and Friday saw government buildings and Christian churches targeted by Muslim Brotherhood supporters.

Political commentators have compared Egypt's situation to run-up to Algeria's decade-long civil war that left, by some estimates, as many as 200,000 dead.

The violent crackdown drew widespread condemnation from world leaders. US President Barack Obama announced on Thursday the cancellation on Thursday of a longstanding planned joint military operation in protest.

"While we want to sustain our relationship with Egypt, our traditional cooperation cannot continue as usual when civilians are being killed in the streets and rights are being rolled back," said Mr. Obama in the announcement.

свернуть