Via McClatchy:
With police officers and soldiers increasingly turning on embattled Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, his Muslim Brotherhood-backed supporters are forming their own security force armed with sticks, helmets and Molotov cocktails.
Seas of protesters were expected back on the streets Tuesday, marking the third straight day of massive protests that have all but shut down the country, demanding that Morsi step down.
This time, though, the protesters will confront a counter force. The Brotherhood, the secretive organization through which Morsi ascended to power, held a midnight news conference and called followers to defend Morsi. Clashes immediately ensued in the Nile Delta between Morsi supporters and the police. And more are expected as the day unfolds.
Keeping their distance from the anti-Morsi protests, the Brotherhood forces were preparing days before Sunday’s protests marking Morsi’s one-year anniversary in office. In between chants, they lined up in formation, hoisting sticks, chair legs and two-by-fours.
They were prepared to secure Morsi’s legitimate place as Egypt’s leader, using an illegitimate security force.
“Strength, determination, faith, Morsi’s men are everywhere!!” they screamed while stomping their feet and doing air punches in the air. Overweight men in beards then dropped down and began doing push ups.
Tuesday, the tension was high as they waved their sticks in the air and stomped their feet in mock combat in front of the presidential palace.