A disturbing new development is emerging from Egypt with pro-Mubarak demonstrators descending on Tahrir Square in Downtown Cairo, following Tuesday’s announcement that President Hosni Mubarak will not run in the elections scheduled for later in the year.
Stones are being thrown and fighting has broken out with the two sides continually charging at each other, beating each other with sticks. Fighters on camels and horses have even joined the fray. There are numerous protestors suffering injuries and the crowds continue to swell with hundreds of new arrivals. What are thought to be pro-Mubarak demonstrators have begun attacking television news crews, and they have begun running for cover, our correspondent, who will be joining them to find safety, reports. The anti-Mubarak protestors appear to be trying to keep the peace, while the pro-Mubarak, or pro-Stability protestors as they have dubbed themselves, are the aggressors and looking for a fight.
There is an army presence in Tahrir, however at present they are not taking a proactive approach in calming the situation down. With the escalating violence it seems it will become necessary for the army to intervene. The hatches on the tanks are closed. Ambulances can be heard in the background, but have been unable to get through the crowds to rescue injured individuals.
- The Egyptian police were to be brought back in which could create more chaos with the clear hatred the average Egyptian citizen has for them. As of 6:20pm (Wednesday) local time a police presence was not noted.
- Molotov cocktails are being thrown by the Pro forces into the Anti-Mubarak crowds.
- It appears the Anti-Mubarak protestors are now trapped within Tahrir Square with the entrances being blockaded by the Pro-Mubarak protestors, many whom have been found with government identification on their persons.
- It is widely believed Mubarak, or a top member of his regime, has orchestrated the violence as Pro-Mubarak protestors had not been seen at the otherwise peaceful demonstrations until today.
- The army has done basically nothing to stem the violence other than throw out the occasional tear gas.
- The internet seems to be slowing down and whether it will remain online or the government will shut it down again is unknown.
- By 3am Thursday, Anti-Mubarak forces had regained control of Tahrir Square and the number of Pro-Mubarak forces had dwindled. It is not known whether they will return in force Thursday afternoon.
- Over 800 reported wounded and 5 have lost their lives in the fighting.
- Soldiers while basically doing nothing on Wednesday to stop the violence, are Thursday physically trying to divide the two insides, though only a limited number of soldiers can be seen.
Though the anti-Mubarak protestors are not happy that Mubarak did not commit to stepping down right away, it was widely believed that the situation would be calmer Wednesday. However, that is obviously not the case. It is commonly believed that the pro-Mubarak force has been monetarily enticed to make a presence on the streets, as prior to yesterday, they had not been a factor.
Alternative Energy Africa is trying to reduce its own carbon footprint in 2011. Ask about our electronic subscriptions and online marketing campaigns specially tailored for individual companies.