Cairo: The Egyptian Army was guarding the deserted Interior Ministry headquarters in central Cairo on Sunday after officials were evacuated, an officer said.
"We secured the Interior Ministry this morning and evacuated state security personnel. The ministry is empty," an Army officer who did not want to be named at the site. "We're here for as long as it takes."
Two armoured trucks and a tank stood guard outside. State security fought with protesters trying to attack the building on Saturday night.
More than 100 people have been killed in protests that erupted in Egypt over the past week against President Hosni Mubarak's rule.
The Army is trying to restore order amid widespread looting after security forces withdrew from the streets following huge demonstrations last week.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, January 30, 2011, 16:13