Egypt reinforces army bases ahead of protests
Mass rallies against Morsi planned for July 30, marking his first year in office
CAIRO (AP) — Security officials say the military has brought in reinforcements of troops and armor to bases near Egyptian cities ahead of planned June 30 protests to force the Islamist president out.
The officials say Wednesday’s deployments are restricted to the outskirts of major cities and inside existing military facilities. In Cairo, the focus of Sunday’s protests, the extra troops went to major bases to the east and west.
The protests mark President Mohammed Morsi’s first year in office.
Army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has given Morsi and the opposition a week to reach an understanding to prevent bloodshed. There has been no sign of compromise by either side.
Morsi addresses the nation later on Wednesday.
The officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.