Egyptian health official: 25 killed in clashes on 2011 revolt's anniversary

Egyptians hold national flags during a rally in Tahrir Square, in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. Egyptian riot police have fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi protesting as the country marks the third anniversary of the 2011 uprising, as supporters of the military gathered in rival rallies in other parts of the capital, many of them urging military chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, the man who removed Morsi, to run for president. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Egyptian masked policeman guards Cairo's state security chief, Osama al-Saghir, third left, as he visits Tahrir Square on Saturday in Cairo, Egypt.

CAIRO— A health ministry official in Egypt says 25 people have been killed in clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters nationwide on the anniversary of the country’s 2011 uprising.

Khaled el-Khateeb said Saturday most of those killed were in Cairo. Fierce clashes have raged between largely Islamist protesters and security forces in eastern Cairo. There were at least three killed in Alexandria and the southern province of Minya.

Saturday marked the anniversary of the start of the 2011 uprising that forced longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak to step down. It was marked by rival rallies of those supporting the military-backed government and supporters of Mubarak’s successor, Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

Morsi was removed from office in July following mass protests against him.