Security beefed up amid calls for anti-gov't protests in Egypt

Massive security presence is seen in the Egyptian capital city of Cairo and nationwide on Monday amid calls for anti-government protests urged by some political forces against Egypt's recent deal to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia.

The police beefed up security in the iconic Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo and surrounding streets that witnessed the 18-day uprising that ousted long-time leader Hosni Mubarak in early 2011.

On Sunday, the Egyptian Interior Ministry warned in a statement that security forces "will confront so strictly and decisively any acts that may undermine security," warning against a plot to drive a wedge between the police and the citizens.

"Violating the law will not be allowed under any name," the police statement said. "Security and stability of the nation and the safety of its citizens constitute a red line."

Meanwhile, the army deployed its vehicles to protect vital state institutions across the country including security premises, ministries, authorities and others.

On April 15, political forces including April 6 Youth Movement and liberal and leftist parties supported by former presidential candidates, protested the recent Egyptian-Saudi maritime demarcation agreement to hand over the islands of Tiran and Sanafir to the oil-rich Gulf country.

The police then were committed to utmost degree of self-restraint and the protesters left peacefully, vowing to renew protests on April 25, which marks the national Sinai Liberation Day in the country.

The now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group of overthrown Islamist President Mohamed Morsi also urged for the anti-government protests over the demarcation deal.

In a recent speech, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi warned against external and internal plots to ruin Egypt's security and stability, urging Egyptians to protect their country against conspirators and "the people of evil." Endit