Egypt: 2 killed in clashes over disputed land

11/18/2012

CAIRO  — Egyptian security officials say two people have been killed in clashes between troops and hundreds of protesters over control of a plot of land on an island in the Nile in Cairo.

The officials said the land is owned by the armed forces but was illegally seized by residents taking advantage of the chaos that followed the ouster last year of authoritarian president Hosni Mubarak.

Troops moved on Sunday to retake control of the plot, sparking clashes on a mainland road across from the island. The officials say two civilians were killed and several soldiers were wounded.

It was not immediately clear how the two were killed but gunshots were heard in the area.

The officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak to the media.