Syrians persecuted in Egyptian town

The Egyptian Mediterranean town of Damietta is witnessing an “intifada (uprising) against Syrians”, who face violence, threats and the destruction of property for allegedly supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, an Egyptian newspaper reported on Sunday. Al-Watan newspaper said: “The residents of Damietta have revolted against the Syrians who reside in the ?governorate because of their involvement, with the Brotherhood, in the violence the governorate has witnessed over the last two days, resulting in the death of seven people, one of whom was disfigured, ?and the injury of a further 54.”? The correspondent of the newspaper acknowledged the existence of a campaign of destruction against the property of Syrian immigrants in Damietta, but said the damage was carried out by “unknown persons”. However, the journalist added:  "A number of Damietta’s inhabitants attacked Syrians  shops in Galaa St in Damietta and gave them  48 hours to leave or be deported by force." Residents accused members of the Syrian community in Damietta of belonging to the Free Syrian Army, the newspaper reported. Al-Watan quoted a security source in Damietta who reported that 17 ?Brotherhood members were arrested in the governorate, including two Syrians who the source said “participated with the Brotherhood in violent ?acts”. The suspects, who were in possession of knives, “cartouche” bullets, and Molotov cocktails, were handed over to the army, the source said.