The number of people injured in clashes that broke out between security forces and armed residents in Marsa Matrouh on Tuesday has increased to 80, nearly half of them police.
Police forces on Tuesday resisted groups of residents armed with guns who attempted to break into two police stations and the Anti-Narcotics General Administration offices, according to a local security source. The suspects stole 38 private cars and 16 motorbikes, the same source alleged, adding that security forces have cordoned off the buildings that were attacked.
The clashes erupted after the residents unsuccessfully attempted to free 13 people convicted by a military court of smuggling and trespassing in a military zone.
Most of the 41 injured civilians were treated at Matrouh Public Hospital and discharged. Three injured residents were transferred to the Alexandria University Hospital and four remain under medical supervision in Matrouh, said Mahmoud Zahran, deputy health minister in Matrouh. Six of the 39 injured policemen are still receiving treatment at the local military hospital.
Central Security reinforcements have been sent to the area to prevent further violence.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
