Security tightens around Presidential Palace

Staff

Fri, 04/02/2011 - 17:55

Early morning, Tahrir Square, Cairo, February 3, 2011.

Early hours toll: 6 DEAD; 836 INJURED.

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Photographed by Ahmed Hayman

Increased security measures are in place along the streets leading to the Presidential Palace, President Hosni Mubarak's home in Heliopolis, as well as in neighboring areas. Security measures had been tightened as protests entered the eleventh day Friday.

Armed forces stationed at the entries and exits of main streets surrounding the compound deployed additional forces on Friday morning, hours before the start of Friday prayers.

Some soldiers also put more barbed wire a few meters away from thel hearquarters where official presidential meetings take place.

Security measures around the palace as well as the president's home were heightened between last week's "Friday of Anger" and today's "Friday of Departure." Last Friday police forces were pulled back and replaced with members of the presidential guard.

Over the course of the week, army units began to join presidential guard units surrounding the palace and nearby streets. Recently some protesters have called for a march to the palace, although it is unclear whether Mubarak is inside.