Egyptian armed forces have been deployed in the capital, Cairo, and governorates across the country in line of a security plan anticipating 30 June's opposition protests.
A military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Al-Masry Al-Youm that troops would secure important institutions including universities, power grids, Aswan's High Dam and the Suez Canal.
Commandos and airborne forces would also monitor criminal hotspots and suspected jihadi strongholds, the source said, adding that no troops had been sent to the state-owned Maspero broadcasting house yet.
Media Production City in 6th of October City has also been secured, according to earlier plans, more forces are expected to descend on other areas within the next few hours.
Different sources told Al-Masry Al-Youm earlier this month that deployment plans are aimed at protecting vital institutions, public facilities, foreign embassies and strategic points including entrances to governorates.
Protests on 30 June have been planned by opposition groups demanding early presidential elections and that President Mohamed Morsy step down.
The date marks the first anniversary of Morsy's inauguration as president. Several opposition politicians have expressed hopes it will also mark the end of his tenure as leader of Egypt.
Pro-Morsy Islamists have slammed the opposition over the planned rallies, accusing them of waging war on Islam. Some radical preachers have even said that those taking to the streets against Morsy “should be killed.”
Some commentators have suggested the army is – in part – responding to these threats.
Defence Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said: “We will not allow anyone to intimidate or terrorize the people.”
“We would rather die than let that happen,” he added.
Sisi claimed that the moral responsibility of the army towards the Egyptian people would compel it to intervene and prevent the country from descending into conflict, internal divisions and even the ultimate collapse of the state.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
