Muslim Brotherhood Says Up to 34 Killed at Pro-Morsi Protest | WPN World People News

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood says its supporters have been fired on during a protest outside a military building where deposed President Mohamed Morsi is believed to be held, leaving as many as 34 people dead.

The violence in Cairo happened near a Republican Guard compound. Reuters quoted the military saying a "terrorist group" had tried to storm the building, and that one soldier was killed.

Tensions between supporters and opponents of Mr. Morsi have been high since the military ousted him.

The two sides have staged massive rallies in Cairo and other cities, some of which have turned violent. Clashes left at least 36 people dead and more than 1,000 injured nationwide.

The country's interim leaders have struggled to put together a new government acceptable to both sides.

The political standoff continued between the secular and liberal-dominated transitional government and hardline Islamist lawmakers. The faceoff erupted, after interim President Adly Mansour's office -- under pressure from Islamists -- backtracked on a decision to appoint Nobel laureate and diplomat Mohamed ElBaradei as Egypt’s interim prime minister.

Many Islamists view the secular former chief of the U.N. nuclear agency an unacceptable choice because of his liberal views.

The transitional prime minister will have sweeping powers to govern, while the president is expected to be a largely symbolic post.

In Washington, President Barack Obama voiced renewed concern about the political upheaval, while reiterating that the United States is not aligned with and does not support any particular Egyptian political party or group.

The army described Mr. Morsi's removal as necessary to enforce the will of millions of people who have repeatedly demanded his resignation.

Source: Voice of America