At least 15 people were reportedly killed on Wednesday as Egyptian police moved in on protesters camping out in support of deposed President Mohammed Morsi, eyewitnesses said.
Al Arabiya’s correspondent in Cairo said clashes between security forces and protesters in pro-Morsi camp Rabaa al-Adawiya had erupted.
Security forces fired tear gas into the sit-in in, and live images of Rabaa al-Adawiya showed smoke billowing from the square and military helicopters flying overhead.
Eyewitness Ahshur Abid told Reuters news agency that 15 people were killed as the clearing operation started. He said he saw their bodies at afield hospital at one of the camps.
The state news agency said security forces had started implementing a phased plan to disperse the protesters, which is almost certain to deepen political turmoil in Egypt.
On Tuesday night, at least one person was killed and 11 others were wounded by gunfire in clashes between supporters and opponents in Cairo, Al Arabiya TV reported.
The clashes took place in al-Haram street where Morsi supporters were marching in an evening rally.
Another pro-Morsi rally was held in the evening at the upscale Maadi district and it was led mainly by women and children, Al Arabiya correspondent at the scene reported.
Supporters and opponents of Morsi had clashed earlier in a central Cairo neighborhood hurling rocks at each other as police fired tear gas.
