Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood supporters clash with opposition over new Islamist governor

CAIRO – Clashes have erupted between supporters and opponents of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood over the recent appointment of an Islamist governor in a northern city.

Security forces fired tear gas to separate the two groups on Tuesday in the Nile Delta city of Tanta, an anti-Brotherhood stronghold.

The fighting broke out after opposition protesters chained up the gate to the new governor's office in a symbolic rejection of his appointment.

Brotherhood supporters, armed with homemade forearms, swords and knives, started shooting at the protesters to clear them away and let Gov. Ahmed el-Baylie into his office.

President Mohammed Morsi, who hails from the Brotherhood, appointed el-Baylie on Sunday along with 16 other governors in an effort to consolidate power ahead of opposition protests on June 30 that will call for his ouster.