Clashes in Egypt as Morsi Supporters Resist Coup

President's Backers Storm Security Headquarters in Marsa Matruh

Clashes are being reported in several cities overnight as supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi resist the military coup that has been imposed on the country, and clash with protesters who were supportive of the coup.

At least 14 people have been reported killed in the fighting since the coup was announced earlier today, and scores have been wounded nationwide.

Morsi loyalists stormed a security headquarters in the city of Marsa Matruh, clashing with military forces there, while in metro Cairo anti-Morsi demonstrators sacked another office belonging to Morsi’s Freedom and Justice Party.

The growing divide in Egypt under Morsi may have served as a pretext for the coup, but the continued violence suggests that the split is a continued reality that won’t be ended simply by the military seizing power.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.