Egypt celebrates October sixth anniversary

The celebration of the 40th anniversary of Egypt's victory over Israel on October 6, 1973, is unprecedented this year as it coincides with deadly clashes at several parts of the country, leaving 44 dead and over 200 injured. The celebration takes place against the backdrop of a mixed political situation following the revolution of June 30. At 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, the zero hour for the October war against the Israeli enemy four decades ago, sounds of 'takbir' (Allah is most great) from microphones of mosques echoed in synchronization with church bells across the country. State TV aired the video of the first military statement on the war while the Egyptian navy conducted a parade off the eastern coast of Alexandria in commemoration of the occasion. Scores of people took to Tahrir Square carrying the national fag and photos of Minister of Defense Lt-Gen. Abdulfattah Al-Sisi amid unprecedented tight security measures to celebrate the victory. They thanked the Armed forces on their support to the June 30 revolution and chanted slogans against the Muslim Brotherhood group. Military helicopters circled over the square and conducted areal parade. Several musical and folklore troupes are expected to give performances at the square and other parts of the country until midnight, the start of the curfew