Clashes in Egypt’s Tahrir Square, many injured

Clashes have been reported after gunfire rung early Thursday around Tahrir Square, where thousands of civilians, demanding ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, were surrounded by the pro-government groups.

Unconfirmed reports say about three people were killed and over 600 injured in the fights between the anti-government and pro-government forces.

The anti-government protesters have been occupying their ground Tahrir ( Liberation )) Square, where gunfire shots created panic among the people.

Hundreds of people were reportedly injured as the rival groups fought pitched battles in and around Tahrir Square, now the epicenter of the anti -Mubarak movement in Egypt.

Mubarak has been refusing to quit until his term is over in September.

The clashes have so far claimed some 300 people across the country over more than a week, according to UN estimates.

There had been reports that supporters of the President used guns to fire upon the people in the square from the October Bridge.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has urged all Americans in Egypt who wish to leave to go to airports “immediately”, adding that delay was ” not advisable”.

The pro-Mubarak groups were pushing their way to the edges of Tahrir Square on Wednesday resulting in skirmishes where missiles – bricks, stones and bits of ironwork – have been flying through the air on both sides.

There are inadequate number of forces to control the order as the Mubarak loyalists were getting into the square, creating surge of humanity.