US-Egypt row escalates

Several US citizens have taken refuge in their embassy in Cairo amid a dispute between the US and Egypt’s military-led authorities over US-funded pro-democracy groups.

“A handful of US citizens have opted to stay in the embassy compound in Cairo while waiting for permission to depart Egypt,” State Department spokeswoman Kate Starr confirmed.

It follows a crackdown on non-governmental organisations. Washington, as well as Egyptian civil society groups, have strongly criticised the crackdown.