Nine killed as Egypt marks third anniversary of 2011 uprising

Bomb attacks and rival protests today marked the third anniversary of Egypt's 2011 uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak as nine people were killed in clashes in the deeply divided country.
Thousands of supporters of the military-backed government gathered in high-profile locations including Cairo's iconic Tahrir Square - the focal point of the 18-day popular revolt.
The people rallying waved Egyptian flags and banners showing army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whom many urged to run for president. But police dispersed anti-government protesters in Cairo and elsewhere.
Nine people were killed in clashes as thousands rallied to mark the anniversary, officials said.

Two people were killed in Upper Egypt's Minya during clashes between supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi and police, Ahram Online reported.
Two persons were killed in clashes in Giza that erupted when security sources dispersed two separate demonstrations, one by the 'Way of the Revolution Front' and another by Morsi supporters.

Four persons died in Cairo while a woman was killed in Alexandria during clashes.
At least 15 people were injured as police dispersed the anti-government protests. Police used teargas and birdshot to scatter Morsi supporters and other anti-government activists.
Earlier today, two explosions hit Cairo as thousands joined demonstrations across the country. Later, a car bomb struck a police base in Suez, wounding at least nine people.

The blast occurred on a street next to the base, Gen Abdel Fattah Othman told the private ONTV television.
The fresh attacks raised fears of further violence a day after four blasts, including a suicide bombing at the police headquarters, killed six persons and wounded nearly 100.
An al-Qaeda-inspired militant group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (Champions of Jerusalem) claimed responsibility for yesterday's attacks.
Islamist militants have stepped up attacks on security forces in the region since Sisi toppled Morsi in July, with hundreds killed.
Security sources told Ahram Online that at least 300 people were arrested in today's protests across Egypt.

Thousands of supporters of the interim military-backed government also gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the revolution in Tahrir and other squares around the country.