Egypt: limited pro-Morsi rallies have been held in Cairo and Alexandria during the anniversary of the October war

Celebration of 6 October anniversary in Cairo Tahrir Square
(Image: Ahram Online)

Egypt has celebrated on Monday, 6^th October, its 41^st anniversary of the October War, happened in 1973 between Egyptians and Israelis. The celebrations were expected to be massive, with the impressive air-show and big gatherings of people in the central squares of Egyptian cities. Egypt army and police forces have tightened security in Cairo, Alexandria and other cities as well in attempt to prevent possible clashes, rallies or provocations.

This year anniversary of the October War came on the same day with the third day of Eid Al-Adha celebrations, marking the end of Hajj and return to home of thousands of Egyptian pilgrims, who visited Saudi Arabia this year.

Though despite the security measures several pro-Morsi rallies and protests took place in Cairo downtown and in the coastal city of Alexandria as well. The rallies have gathered several dozens of supporters of the ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, who was removed from power in July 2013 by the Armed Forces amid the massive nationwide protests against his rule and dictatorial policies of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Protesters in Cairo have gathered in downtown, chanting for Mohamed Morsi and against the military and police and accusing military of the coup which resulted in the ouster of Mohamed Morsi and presidency of Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi. Their rally though was dispersed by the police forces.

Protesters in Alexandria have been protesting against the ouster of Mohamed Morsi and chanting for his return to power. Minor clashes erupted there between the protesters and the police forces, though the crowds were dispersed as well, while seven people were reportedly arrested.

It’s worth mentioning that the last year’s celebration of the anniversary of the October War in Egypt was marked by the massive pro-Morsi and pro-Muslim Brotherhood rallies and demonstrations, resulted in the violent clashes. Nearly 51 people were killed during these protests, while dozens were injured.