SUEZ (AA) – The Egyptian canal province of Suez on Thursday celebrated its National Day amid tight security ahead of planned protests by partisans of ousted president Mohamed Morsi.
October 24 marks Suez National Day, when local residents stopped Israeli forces from entering the city during the 1973 Middle East War.
Suez Governor Al-Arabi al-Sorowi laid a floral wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The day also featured military parades and artistic performances.
Suez National Day festivities are being held amid tight security ahead of planned afternoon protests called by the National Alliance for the Defense of Legitimacy, a coalition of pro-democracy groups.
Metal detectors have been set up around courthouses, the local security directorate, military intelligence headquarters and the office of the national security apparatus, eyewitnesses said.
Army and police vehicles have also been deployed on main streets and in prominent public squares.
Reporting by Sayed Noon
englishnews@aa.com.tr
