A second day of clashes between two tribes in
southern Egypt has left a total of 18 people
dead, officials say.
The Egyptian military said that it had
intervened to stop the fighting between the
Arab Bani Hilal clan and a Nubian family.
The violence started late on Friday after
offensive graffiti was drawn on the walls of a
local school, security officials said.
Several homes were burnt down and over 31
people were injured in the clashes.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing bodies lying on
hospital floors, while images emerged on
social media showing bodies in the street.
A meeting on Saturday between leaders from
the two sides failed to reach a resolution.
The state news agency said 17 local schools
would be closed on Sunday, the first day of
the working week in Egypt.
Police failed to intervene to put an end to the
violence, prompting the armed forces to step
in, according to eyewitnesses.
It is not known what sparked the graffiti war
that led to the latest bloodshed.
There has been tension in the past between
Arab clans and ethnic Nubians, who originate
from southern Egypt and north Sudan.
However, this incident is the most serious
instance of ethnic bloodshed in recent years.
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