Dozens Killed As Egypt Demonstrations Turn Deadly

At least 37 people have been killed in bloody clashes overnight in and around Cairo after protests escalated into violence, with supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi saying police shot at demonstrators.

NPR's Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson confirmed the number of dead at one field hospital alone, and said that the toll is likely much higher. Doctors at the field hospital are telling reporters that many of the injuries were caused by live ammunition.

Thousands of pro-military protesters had occupied Tahrir Square, answering a call from Gen. Abdel Fattah el-Sissi to bolster his mandate after the army chief removed Morsi from office earlier this month.

The Muslim Brotherhood responded with counter-demonstrations, reports The Telegraph, prompting clashes between security forces and Morsi supporters.

Brotherhood spokesman Gehad El-Haddad said security forces began shooting shortly before pre-dawn morning prayers, AP reported.

"They are not shooting to wound, they are shooting to kill," Haddad said.

Al Jazeera is reporting that hundreds of wounded demonstrators have reported to makeshift hospitals in the area.