Violent Clashes Break Out in Cairo

Chaos broke out in Cairo’s Tahrir Square today, as supporters of Hosni Mubarak took to the streets, resulting in a violent confrontation with pro-Democracy protesters. Tens of thousands on each side battled using rocks, sticks, and iron bars, Sky News reports. Initially there was a break in the fighting—CNN reported seeing the sides hug one another—but that good will has evaporated. Mubarak’s supporters have surrounded the square, trapping their opponents inside, and hurling Molotov cocktails at them. At least one person was killed and 400 injured, reports Al Jazeera.

Mubarak’s supporters have also been spotted dropping concrete blocks on their opponents’ heads. At one point, they charged the crowd riding horses and camels, lashing pro-democracy protesters with whips, before they were hauled down and badly beaten. Mohamed ElBaradei has called on the army to intervene to protect the Egyptians, but so far they’ve only fired warning shots into the air. CNN reports that opposition demonstrators fear "a bloodbath" will occur when night falls.
(More North Africa unrest stories.)