CAIRO: Clashes broke out on Saturday in the Egyptian border town of Sallum between security forces and the family of a man shot dead by border guards trying to smuggle from Libya, a security official told AFP.
At least two people were injured in the clashes that were sparked by the death of Gomaa Abdel Salam, 27, who was shot dead on Friday as he was trying to smuggle aluminium from neighboring Libya. He died on Saturday in hospital.
After hearing of his death, Abdel Salam’s family and residents of his native town of Mersa Matruh headed west to Sallum.
"They shot at police and army forces, attacked a police station and torched six cars," the official said.
"Police and army forces shot back injuring two members of (Abdel Salam’s) family," the security official said.
Authorities are now negotiating with the family to try to restore calm in the town, he said.
Sallum is Egypt’s main border crossing with Libya. Many families and tribes are divided by the border. –AFP
