Security forces in Cairo are moving in on two sit-in protests supporting ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, after firing tear gas to break up street confrontations between Morsi's supporters and opponents.
Reports say police are firing tear gas at the larger of the two protests, in the neighborhood of Nasser City. Television footage shows smoke rising over the protest site, as military vehicles moved toward the camps.
Officials and witnesses said the unrest began Tuesday when hundreds of Morsi supporters marched on several ministries to protest the military-backed interim government installed after the military deposed Mr. Morsi on July 3.
Local residents and shopkeepers who backed the ouster threw stones at Morsi supporters marching on the Interior Ministry. The protesters retaliated with stones and police fired tear gas to try to restore order.
Other supporters of the former president remained at two Cairo protest camps, defying days of warnings that the government may soon try to evict them.
More than 250 people have been killed in political violence since Mr. Morsi's overthrow.
The interim civilian government is moving ahead with a transition plan that involves reforming Egypt's constitution and holding elections early next year.
Reports say police are firing tear gas at the larger of the two protests, in the neighborhood of Nasser City. Television footage shows smoke rising over the protest site, as military vehicles moved toward the camps.
Officials and witnesses said the unrest began Tuesday when hundreds of Morsi supporters marched on several ministries to protest the military-backed interim government installed after the military deposed Mr. Morsi on July 3.
Local residents and shopkeepers who backed the ouster threw stones at Morsi supporters marching on the Interior Ministry. The protesters retaliated with stones and police fired tear gas to try to restore order.
Other supporters of the former president remained at two Cairo protest camps, defying days of warnings that the government may soon try to evict them.
More than 250 people have been killed in political violence since Mr. Morsi's overthrow.
The interim civilian government is moving ahead with a transition plan that involves reforming Egypt's constitution and holding elections early next year.