- Title: EGYPT: Security forces storm Islamist-controlled town
- Date: 16th September 2013
- Summary: DELGA, MINYA PROVINCE, EGYPT (SEPTEMBER 16, 2013) (REUTERS) SECURITY FORCES STOPPING VEHICLES AT CHECKPOINT TO TOWN SECURITY FORCES CHECKING PAPERS OF MOTORCYCLIST MOTORCYCLIST RIDING AWAY/ OFFICIALS APPROACHING AND CHECKING PAPERS OF VAN DRIVER SECURITY FORCES/PEOPLE OUTSIDE POLICE STATION MORE OF SECURITY FORCES AND PEOPLE OUTSIDE POLICE STATION
- Embargoed: 1st October 2013 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Egypt
- City:
- Country: Egypt
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVAC6NH3WRFT0O6YUZQ8O0KU21NE
- Aspect Ratio:
- Story Text: Egyptian security forces storm a town controlled by supporters of ousted President Mohamed Mursi and arrest 56 residents as part of a crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood.
SCRIPT: Egyptian security forces entered a town controlled by supporters of ousted President Mohamed Mursi as part of a crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood on Monday (September 16).
They arrested 56 residents under the operation, officials said.
The forces entered the town of Delga in Minya province, about 300 km (190 miles) south of Cairo, early in the morning, clearing barricades that had been erected by the Mursi supporters, security officials said.
Gunshots were exchanged but there were no official reports of injuries.
Delga has been under Islamist control since clashes between Mursi's supporters and security forces across the country following the violent clearance of pro-Mursi protest camps in Cairo on August 14. About 70 people were killed in Minya province on that day alone.
Monday's raid was launched to wrest back control of the area and arrest people who had been accused of inciting violence.
The residents threw bricks at the police and set ablaze car tyres, and the security forces responded by firing bird-shot and tear gas, Muslim Brotherhood activist Yehya Shaker told Reuters by phone.
The Interior Ministry said 56 people were arrested and seven guns confiscated.
Security forces have killed hundreds of Brotherhood supporters and arrested thousands, including Mursi and other leaders, in a crackdown since the army toppled him in July 3 following mass protests against his rule.
Many were killed when the security forces attacked pro-Mursi protest camps in Cairo on August 14.
The Islamists had torched about 20 churches and homes in Delga in August and spray-painted X marks on shops owned by Christians. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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