Protesters throw stones during a clash between supporters and opponents of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi, at Ramsis square, which leads to Tahrir Square, in Cairo October 6, 2013.
The polarization of Egypt’s fractured society deepened on Sunday night as pro-military and Islamist groups battled in the streets across the country resulting in the deaths of at least 51 people.
The violence came as the nation sought to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Egyptian military’s surprise assault on Israeli forces in the Sinai Peninsula in 1973.
Islamist groups allied with deposed President Mohamed Morsi marched on Tahir Square, where demonstrators in support of the country’s ruling military government had amassed.
The two sides squared off in the deadliest confrontation since the government crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood supporters in mid-August. Police reportedly fired tear gas and live rounds to disperse Islamist demonstrators.
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Official stats claimed that 268 people were injured across the country, while more than 400 anti-military protestors were arrested, reported Al Jazeera.