Military intensifies presence in and around Tahrir and Rabaa Al-Adwiya Squares

The Egyptian security forces intensified their presence on Friday morning in all streets and whereabouts leading to Tahrir and Rabaa Al-Adawiya Squares in an effort to undermine any attempt by demonstrators to start new sit-ins.

The Pro-Morsi National Coalition called for Egyptians to take to the streets and stage mass rallies today in what they dubbed the “Friday of Resolution”.

The army positioned four military vehicles in Al-Tayaran Street, which leads to Rabaa Al-Adawiya Square. They also placed iron barriers and barbed wires in the street to block off access to the square. Another three military vehicles and a fire engine van were positioned in the middle of the same street.

Three armored military vehicles were also positioned in Al-Nasr Street, which leads to Rabaa Al-Adawiya Square from a different side. Iron barriers and barbed wires were in place to hinder the entrance of both cars and demonstrators.

Similarly, the areas and streets around Tahrir Square also witnessed an intensified military presence. Streets leading to Tahrir from all sides were blocked with iron barriers and barbed wires to prevent the entrance of cars and people.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health sent a number of ambulances to these areas and put them on alert in expectation of possible tensions.

Previously, the Interior Minister of the interim government, Mohamed Ibrahim, had warned that his security staff would use live ammunition to disperse anti-coup demonstrators. The army accuses anti-coup demonstrators of carrying weapons and damaging properties.