Egyptian forces on high alert ahead of demonstration against island transfer

Egypt's security forces significantly increased their presence in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Monday ahead of a large-scale demonstration later in the day against the transfer of sovereignty over Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia. Military helicopters conducted sorties over the center of Cairo and armored vehicles were placed at the entrances to city and at other strategic points. The security forces arrested a number of journalists as well as key activists from the Muslim Brotherhood, which opposes the rule of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and supports the demonstration. Coverage teams from European radio and TV stations were barred from broadcasting in the square and not allowed to enter it either. 

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