DAMIETTA, Egypt: Clashes between Egyptian military forces and protestors broke out early Sunday morning in the Egyptian governorate of Damietta as a five-day sit-in blocking the road to the governorate's port was forcibly broken up. The demonstrators are protesting the Damietta Fertilizer Plant (MOPCO), which allegedly polluted the sea and destroyed the fishing industry in the area. Those with injuries were immediately transferred to the Damietta Public Hospital. The military forces gained control of the roads leading to the port but the protesting residents of el-Sanania and Kafr el-Bateikh galvanized support, blocked the road again and prevented workers from entering the port. Some residents, particularly those with children, left the demonstration fearing escalation and clashes. Fishermen in Ezbet el-Burg threw their support behind the protesting residents and threatened to stage a march to the plant.
