New phase of violence between Egypt and the Muslim Brotherhood

In a major new development in the relationship between the state and the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood organisation, the second anniversary of the 30 June Revolution has brought fierce violence to Egypt. 

 It began with the assassination of Prosecutor-General Hisham Barakat and was followed by the killing of nine Muslim Brotherhood leaders in their homes in Sixth October City, according to the Interior Ministry, or 13 leaders, according to a Brotherhood statement. 

 These incidents are inseparable from events in Sinai, where 17 members of the Armed Forces were killed in an attack by operatives from the so-called Islamic State (IS) “Sinai Province.” The army quickly retaliated, killing at least 100 terrorists and bringing the situation under control. 

 These developments, occurring between 28 June and 2 July, have had numerous ramifications. Above all, they signal an escalation in violence on the part of the Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters. Moreover, according to a statement issued by the terrorist organisation following the deaths of its members in Sixth October City, there may be further violence to come. 

 In its statement, the Brotherhood said that the killing of 13 of its leaders “in cold blood” in Sixth October City ushered in “a new phase in which it will not be possible to control the anger of the oppressed and persecuted who will not accept to die in their homes amidst their families.” 

 Brotherhood spokesman Mohamed Muntasser said that the killing of the organisation’s members has created a “total minefield.” He called on the group’s supporters to take to the streets “in rebellion...