More Than 50 Killed In Egypt Clashes

An Egyptian riot policeman takes position in downtown Cairo during clashes with supporters of Egypt's ousted Islamist president Mohammad Morsi on October 6.

At least 51 people have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes in Egypt between security forces and supporters of ousted president Muhammad Morsi.

Forty people were reported killed in Cairo alone on October 6 as Morsi supporters were blocked by security forces from entering central Tahrir Square, where backers of the interim military-backed government had gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the start of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

The Interior Ministry said 423 Morsi supporters had been detained across the nation.

Egyptian authorities had warned on October 5 that anyone who protested against the army during ceremonies marking an attack on Israeli forces during the 1973 war would be regarded as an agent of foreign powers, not an activist.

The Islamist Anti-Coup Alliance called on October 6 for more protests this week and specifically urged students across Egyptian universities and schools to protest on October 8 "against these continuing massacres."

Hundreds of people have been killed in Egypt since the army toppled Morsi on July 3 following massive street protests against his rule.


Based on AP and Reuters reporting