Morsi supporters say Egyptian army attack was unprovoked

CAIRO -- An assault on an encampment of supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi during Muslim prayers early Monday was unprovoked and sudden, protesters told The Times in interviews following the clash.

Muslim Brotherhood officials, who are supporting Morsi, said Egyptian security forces raided the encampment outside the Republican Guard compound where followers of the former president have been protesting for days, demanding the release of their leader. Morsi is believed to be under arrest there since a military coup last week.

Military officials blamed the attack on unknown gunmen. Muslim Brotherhood officials said at least 42 people were killed.

“We didn’t have time to do anything but run,” said Nager Azumi, 46, who was among the protesters who came under fire. “They had us surrounded. Some are still cordoned there and are being detained.”

The incident, which started shortly before dawn, began with volleys of tear gas, but quickly escalated to gunfire.

“As I was running away, I saw dead bodies falling to the ground,” said Omar Mohamed, a Muslim Brotherhood supporter. “One person standing right next to me was shot dead right before my eyes. I couldn’t carry him because of all the tear gas. I had to leave his body on the ground and run away. That could have easily been me.”

ALSO:

British rejoice at Andy Murray’s Wimbledon victory

Five dead, 40 still missing in Quebec train accident

Egyptian army accused of attacking Morsi supporters; dozens dead

Mohsen is a special correspondent for The Times.