Police recruit Essam al-Husseiny was killed and five others were injured in clashes that erupted early Wednesday morning among security forces and Muslim Brotherhood supporters in the village of al-Basarta, the biggest stronghold for the group in Damietta.
The police said they had raided the village to arrest supporters who had been involved in violent acts on Tuesday evening, as a result of confrontations between the residents and group sympathizers who were staging a march in support of toppled President Mohamed Morsi. Among the five injured were a police captain, a detective and other citizens.
Eyewitnesses said some masked gunmen had been participating in the march
According to Health Ministry estimates, the clashes on Tuesday injured 22 people, including five police recruits, who were transferred to hospitals for treatment.
Police troops cordoned off Al-Sa’a Square in Damietta, fearing further clashes. Several Brotherhood supporters were arrested.
According to a security source, 13 women who had been participating in the march were also arrested.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
