Anti-government protests rattle Egypt

Egypt was rocked by protests, explosions and police gunfire on Friday.

At least four demonstrators were killed, dozens were injured and over 100 were arrested as anti-government sentiment spread throughout the country, according to reports.

The Salafist Front, a conservative opposition group, called on supporters to take to the streets Friday and condemn Egypt President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. The BBC reported the group was asking demonstrators to defend Egypt’s “Islamic identity.” 

{mosads}The two sides have clashed since al-Sisi became president earlier this year. Opposition groups accuse his government of marginalizing religion and encouraging military rule. The Egyptian government contends it is concerned about the rise of Islamic extremism in the region.

Friday’s protests restarted large-scale demonstrations not seen in Egypt for several months, Al Jazeera reported.

In anticipation, Egyptian police on Thursday night sent police to potential hot spots around the country. 

On Friday, those police clashed with demonstrators. Two explosions went off in and around the Egyptian capital of Cairo, according to the Associated Press. In Cairo, officers opened fire on protesters, killing several.

Gunmen also targeted Egyptian military officials throughout the day. BBC reported an Egyptian brigadier general was killed and two other soldiers were wounded.

The Muslim Brotherhood, the party ousted from office in late 2013 by military leaders amid massive protests, said it supported Friday’s protests. But it didn’t clarify whether its members would participate.

An Egyptian court has banned the Muslim Brotherhood from holding government positions.