SOHAG, Egypt: A third person has died and government offices and shops have completely suspended business after violent clashes in Gerga, Sohag for the fourth day today. Clashes renewed after the burial of the third deceased when youth of the city attempted to storm the police station. Security forces tried to defend themselves while an increasing number of youth rallied around the station and prevented the police from taking control of the situation. Residents then stormed the station's store of arms. Youth also tried to close the entrances of the city. When security forces prevented them from doing so, they closed the railway lines instead to impede the movement of trains. Sohan, Qena and Assiut stations were affected by the closure. Sohag's security director and other security personnel arrived in an attempt to control the situation. He demanded that residents be calm, wise and end the violence to turn a new page with neighboring villages. After the burial, however, events again ignited after video clips were shown of the kidnap of four of the city's youth. City residents attempted to storm the offending village with Molotov cocktails, but security forces prevented them Witnesses in the city say there has been an exchange of gunfire between the two sides. Security forces are organizing groups to arrest suspects who are involved in the events or who carry arms. Arabic here.
