Morsi's fate unclear as army tightens grip on Egypt

July 04, 2013

In what opponents bitterly described as a "coup," Egypt's military moved tanks and troops into Cairo on Wednesday to prepare for the almost certain ouster of President Mohammed Morsi only minutes after he rejected their ultimatum to yield to the political demands of mass protests or step down.

In imposing its deadline two days ago, the military had warned that if Morsi did not act, they would step in to suspend the constitution and Islamist-dominated parliament and set up a civilian leadership council.