Real-time updates from Egyptian protests as the army attempts to control the escalating situation in Cairo and Suez
Al Jazeera
Protesters gather around a burning police vehicle just after the beginning of the curfew.
UPDATE (17:06)
An unconfirmed report from Israel TV claims that President Mubarak has fled Egypt and is heading to Switzerland. At the time of this posting, no other news outlet reported this, so we might want to add bold italics when we say that news is unconfirmed.) However, Egytpian State TV denied that planes departed from Cairo's airport, according to a tweet by Abdul Hamid Ahmad, editor-in-chief of Gulf News.
An unconfirmed report from Israel TV claims that President Mubarak has fled Egypt and is heading to Switzerland. At the time of this posting, no other news outlet reported this, so we might want to add bold italics when we say that news is unconfirmed.) However, Egytpian State TV denied that planes departed from Cairo's airport, according to a tweet by Abdul Hamid Ahmad, editor-in-chief of Gulf News.
The Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament, Dr. Ahmad Fathi Suroor will reported make "an important announcement" soon, according to Al Jazeera.
UPDATE (16:23)
CNN reports that a heavily guarded motorcade entered the Cairo airport thourgh the VIP entrance. A group of people boarded three private planes who were told to keep their engines running for a speedy takeoff, and within minutes the planes took to the air. According to CNN, the list of people in Egypt who would have access to the resources to flee the country so quickly is very short.
CNN reports that a heavily guarded motorcade entered the Cairo airport thourgh the VIP entrance. A group of people boarded three private planes who were told to keep their engines running for a speedy takeoff, and within minutes the planes took to the air. According to CNN, the list of people in Egypt who would have access to the resources to flee the country so quickly is very short.
More experts weigh in on what could happen next in Egypt. Mark Lynch, a political science and international affairs professor at George Washington University and writer for Foreign Policy thinks a military takeover is possible. He said in a tweet:
@abuaardvark: Military dumping Mubarak now looking possible, real question is whether it stops there or continues to real democratic transition.
Lynch also expressed dissatisfaction with Robert Gibbs lack of assertive language in this afternoon's presser -- specifically Gibb's dodging the question about why Obama hadn't phoned the Egyptian president. In ablog post on FP earlier today, Lynch called for direct action from the U.S. government, some of which has been taken:
The administration has to get out in the next few hours with a strong public statement by a senior official, such as Secretary of State Clinton, which clearly lays out that using violence against citizens is a U.S. red line and which goes beyond "urging" or "hoping" that the Egyptian government responds. It's really important that the United States be clearly and unambiguously on the right side of these events, and not wait and see too long for it to matter. The public message should be paired with blunt private messages to the Egyptian government that there's no going back to business as usual, regardless of whether Mubarak rides out this storm in the short run.
UPDATE (15:21)
In a White House press conference Robert Gibbs addressed the events in Egypt. When asked why President Obama hadn't picked up the phone to call president Mubarak, Gibbs replied:
In a White House press conference Robert Gibbs addressed the events in Egypt. When asked why President Obama hadn't picked up the phone to call president Mubarak, Gibbs replied:
I think its important to understand we’re in continual communication throughout our government with the Egyptian government.
UPDATE (15:05)
Sec. Robert Gibbs is expected to address the nation shortly. His delay, according to one Twitter user, might hint at a special guest's presence:
Sec. Robert Gibbs is expected to address the nation shortly. His delay, according to one Twitter user, might hint at a special guest's presence:
@chucktodd: The continued delay of the start of the Gibbs briefing has room abuzz of a special visitor to press room to talk Egypt.
Meanwhile, the U.S. will reconsider $1.5 billion in aid to Egypt.
UPDATE (14:13 EST)
The injury count has risen to 870 and up to 6 people have been killed in Cario today.
The injury count has risen to 870 and up to 6 people have been killed in Cario today.
The ruling National Democratic Party headquarters are on fire. As it burns, protesters are looting the inside of the building. Meanwhile, troops have moved to protect the Egyptian National Museum from flames which could destroy priceless artifacts resulitng in a "cultural disaster."
The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also made a statement from Davos about the situation in Egypt. When asked about the Egyptian government shutting down the internet,I believe that one of the ground principles of democracy is to protect and ensure the freedom of speech of the people.All concerned people or leaders should ensure that the situation in that region -- and particularly now in Egypt -- does not and should not lead to further violence, and I have been calling on the authorities to see all these situations as an opportunity to engage in addressing the legitimate concerns and wishes of their peoples.
Responding to today's events, Salon's Dan Gillmor explains how the government shut down the intern and comments on what it might mean for America.
UPDATE (13:49 EST)
The New York Times reports the end of a battle in the ancient port city of Alexandria. Meanwhile in Cairo, one eyewitness report hints at further cooperation between the military and the people:
The New York Times reports the end of a battle in the ancient port city of Alexandria. Meanwhile in Cairo, one eyewitness report hints at further cooperation between the military and the people:
Protesters have also reportedly stormed the state television network. Actual occupations are just one of many challeges presented to journalists, especially broadcasters, says the New York Times.
UPDATE (13:25 EST)
At least 410 people have been injured and two people have died today in Cairo. Al Jazeera reports widespread beatings of journalists, and apparently, foreign correspondents are being targeted. One BBC reporter said he was beaten badly with steel bars by security forces. A CNN also tweeted that he'd had his camera equipment destroyed by police.
At least 410 people have been injured and two people have died today in Cairo. Al Jazeera reports widespread beatings of journalists, and apparently, foreign correspondents are being targeted. One BBC reporter said he was beaten badly with steel bars by security forces. A CNN also tweeted that he'd had his camera equipment destroyed by police.
The AP recently released this video of the day's events:
UPDATE (13:05 EST)
"The people and the army -- we are one." This quote reportedly being chanted on the streets of Cairo may be known as the turning point in Egypt's burgeoning revolution. The iconic image of people climbing on top of tanks in central Cairo shows this sense of solidarity, which commentators are recognizing more and more as a turning point. Just as the Army's involvement in Tunisia led to the government's collapse, many claim that a similar story could follow in Egypt.
"The people and the army -- we are one." This quote reportedly being chanted on the streets of Cairo may be known as the turning point in Egypt's burgeoning revolution. The iconic image of people climbing on top of tanks in central Cairo shows this sense of solidarity, which commentators are recognizing more and more as a turning point. Just as the Army's involvement in Tunisia led to the government's collapse, many claim that a similar story could follow in Egypt.
Meanwhile, President Hosni's Mubarak's silence is increasingly telling. He had said over two hours ago that he would address the nation.
There are also reports that the police and the army are clashing. The sounds of helicopters, possibly planes, are now being heard over Cairo.
This stunning image of a police van burning appeared on Al Jazeera earlier. Note the protester held at gunpoint in the upper right hand corner:
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