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Violent Clashes Break Out in Cairo

Men charged through on camel and horseback, swinging whips

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 2, 2011 7:34 AM CST | Updated Feb 2, 2011 10:33 AM CST

(Newser) – Chaos broke out in Cairo’s Tahrir Square today, as supporters of Hosni Mubarak took to the streets, resulting in a violent confrontation with pro-Democracy protesters. Tens of thousands on each side battled using rocks, sticks, and iron bars, Sky News reports. Initially there was a break in the fighting—CNN reported seeing the sides hug one another—but that good will has evaporated. Mubarak’s supporters have surrounded the square, trapping their opponents inside, and hurling Molotov cocktails at them. At least one person was killed and 400 injured, reports Al Jazeera.

Mubarak’s supporters have also been spotted dropping concrete blocks on their opponents’ heads. At one point, they charged the crowd riding horses and camels, lashing pro-democracy protesters with whips, before they were hauled down and badly beaten. Mohamed ElBaradei has called on the army to intervene to protect the Egyptians, but so far they’ve only fired warning shots into the air. CNN reports that opposition demonstrators fear "a bloodbath" will occur when night falls.

Pro-government demonstrators, below, and anti-government demonstrators, above, clash in Tahrir Square, the center of anti-government demonstrations, in Cairo, Egypt Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011.
Pro-government demonstrators, below, and anti-government demonstrators, above, clash in Tahrir Square, the center of anti-government demonstrations, in Cairo, Egypt Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011.   (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Demonstrators use sticks during clashes between pro-government supporters and anti-government protestors in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Feb.2, 2011.
Demonstrators use sticks during clashes between pro-government supporters and anti-government protestors in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Feb.2, 2011.   (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)
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Video of the fighting.   (CNN)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 97 comments
Embarato
Feb 2, 2011 8:11 PM CST
Has anyone noticed, or taken note of the fact that once the police disappeared and it became obvious that the military wasn't going to react, the veneer of civilization broke down? Rather instigated, motivated or inherent. All of this was peaceful until orchestrated agitators were allowed if not promoted into the mix. There are tactics here right out of the book. And I mean some of the little nuances I am seeing, such as pounding on shields and lock stepping to move forward, advance, that is standard riot control training. Just no rifles with bayonets affixed to them. That the international media has been run underground. What are we NOT seeing? Even Albaridi has vaporized. Media, internet and communications shut down, no evident leadership on the peaceful side, but very well and orchestrated opposition. Why target High Profile targets such as the Egyptian museum that is garnering such media attention other than try and put bait out for the cameras? Take and control the square, (objective) move the curtailment of the peaceful protesters away from the mainstay. (International Media) Out of view to the fringe and eliminate the threat. Media generally isn't under this kind of potential threat in armed conflicts. Both sides always want to get their side of the story out. What is going on here?
RidersOnTheStorm
Feb 2, 2011 6:12 PM CST
At least 3 people killed and 1,500 injured. Fierce battles with petrol bombs in streets leading into Tahrir Square Things about to get really hairy as pro-Mubarak thugs move their barricade shields in. Why is the army sitting on their hands?? Why is Obama sitting on his hands?? - at least McCain is calling for Mubarak to step down.
tangeri
Feb 2, 2011 5:17 PM CST
Why is it that the Mubarak supporters sound like the Basij?
 

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