Egyptian security forces on Thursday put down demonstrations staged by supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood group and ousted president Mohammad Morsi on the first anniversary of the dispersal of major sit-in protests at Rabaa and Al-Nahdha squares.
Violent clashes took place between the protesters and the security forces in Al-Mataria district of Cairo where the protesters set a petrol station on fire, the state-run MENA news agency reported.
The demonstrators used shotguns at the security forces and residents which resulted in several injuries, according to the report.
A similar demonstration was quelled at Al-Haram St., Giza Governorate, after the protesters chanted slogan against the army and the police forces.
At Al-Nahdha Sq. the security forces beefed up their presence in anticipation of the mass protests by opponents of Morsi's ouster.
The police forces also dispersed a demonstration in Koum Hamada, Giza, and arrested four protesters.
In Damanhur, Beheira Governorate, the protesters set ablaze car tires on the international motorway and the Alexandria-Cairo highway, thus blocking traffic for hours.
In Belqas, Dakahlia Governorate, the security forces reopened Al-Ma'sara-Al-Sabaa road hours after protesters blocked it.
In North Sinai Governorate, the security services were put on red alert in anticipation of violent protests on this occasion.
Source: KUNA