Egypt: State of Emergency after Hundreds Killed, Thousands wounded in clashes
In today’s category of “Well That Escalated Quickly”, Egypt basically went to hell in a handbasket after the Egyptian military moved to vacate the Morsi-supporting protest camps. Hundreds are dead, thousands injured. The Muslim Brotherhood is claiming figures far higher than the state, but unlike in past events, this time the distance between the figures is beginning to get shorter as more updates come from state officials…
A state of emergency was declared today (Wednesday) by the Egyptian interim government, and a curfew that was issued has entered into effect in the capital of Cairo and in additional cities across the country.
The drastic measures come in the wake of violent clashes that took place between Egyptian security forces and supporters of ousted Egyptian president Morsi after the security forces began dispersing two pro-Morsi camps in Cairo. The security forces moved in on the camps while utilizing tear gas, armored vehicles and bulldozers, and local reports have stated that the Egyptian police has seized full control of both protest camps.
According to statements by the Egyptian Ministry of Health, more than 270 people were killed, including 47 security forces, and more than 2,000 were wounded in the clashes. In addition, more than 500 protesters have been reported being arrested by Egyptian police forces. The Muslim Brotherhood movement has claimed that the actual number of casualties is far higher, with more than 500 protesters killed and 5,000 wounded as a result of the confrontations between security forces and the protesters.
A statement issued by the White House strongly condemned the violence in Egypt. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said that “Violence will only make it more difficult for Egypt to move on a path towards lasting stability and democracy, and goes against the assurances made by the interim government to pursue reconciliation.”
Addressing the events in Egypt, US Secretary of State John Kerry stated that “the events that occurred today are deplorable. Violence will not pave a road map for the future of Egypt.” He added that the US is prepared to cooperate with the parties in Egypt towards any form of peaceful agreement.
The European Union has issued its condemnation of the Egyptian violence, and called on the interim government to bring the state of security to an end as early as possible.
Egypt: State of Emergency Declared, White House Condemns Violence