Cairo: At least 11 die in clashes between Muslims and Christians

Clashes in Cairo

Egyptian security sources said at least 11 people have died in clashes between Muslims and Christians in Cairo. Over 100 were wounded. According to the AP, the officials said Wednesday the clashes erupted late Tuesday night and lasted several hours. Those involved used guns clubs and knifes, they added.

The clashes started when several thousand Christians protested against the burning last week of a church in a Cairo suburb by a Muslim mob. The protesters blocked a major highway, burning tires and pelting cars with rocks.

An angry crowd of Muslims reacted and the two sides fought for about four hours.

Egyptian security source said some 1300 people hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails. Witnesses said the army who came to the site fired shots in the air during the clash to disperse the crowd. The 11 killed were believed to be mostly Christians.