General Abdel-Fatah Sisi, the army chief who forced Mohamed Morsi from power, has called for mass protests against the Muslim Brothers’ terrorism, after an explosion outside a police building killed one policeman and injured 29 officers and civilians. The explosion brought the death toll from fighting since the overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi close to 200.
According to the Guardian, the overnight bomb attack marked an escalation in the methods used during clashes between Morsi supporters, his opponents and members of state security. Previously only handguns, shotguns, stones and teargas have been used. The blast raises fears that Egypt’s violence is entering the next, more lethal phase.
Following the attack, General Abdel-Fatah Sisi said in live remarks on state media: “I ask … that next Friday all honest and trustworthy Egyptians must come out. Why come out? They come out to give me the mandate and order that I confront violence and potential terrorism.”