Thousands of Egyptians poured into the streets nationwide on Friday to grant the armed forces a mandate to confront “violence and terrorism” or voice support for ousted President Mohammad Mursi.In Cairo, thousands gathered in the iconic Tahrir Square and outside the Ittihadya presidential palace in support of the army. Meanwhile, thousands gathered in two other areas of the populous capital demanding the return to power of Mursi and denouncing his overthrow as a military coup.
Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called on Wednesday on Egyptians to demonstrate nationwide to grant him the mandate to fight “terrorism.”
Islamist supporters of Mursi say the armyÂ’s call signals an intention to crackdown on them, vowing to remain in the streets.
The army says it does not take sides and vowed to secure both rival demonstrations as long as they remain peaceful.
Several clashes however were reported. In the city of Alexandria four people were killed in clashes between supporters of Egypt's military and deposed President MursiÂ’s loyalists, state media reported, quoting a hospital official. Police have intervened to break up the clashes in the Mediterranean city, in which at least 86 people were injured, many with gunshot wounds, the reports said.
The health ministry said at least 54 others were wounded in clashes elsewhere in the country.
Army helicopters buzzed low over the main pro-Mursi tent vigil and over Tahrir Square where the pro-army camp is holding its demonstration.