Four people were killed and nine injured in two separate clashes Tuesday between families in Zawyet al-Masloub and Maydoum villages in Beni Suef Governorate.
Conflicts over land and flirting caused the disputes, according to Interior Ministry reports. The clashes lasted more than three hours, during which five houses and several fields were set on fire.
Security officers surrounded the villages to prevent more clashes.
The first fight erupted between families from Zawyet al-Masloub when a member of the Arab family allegedly flirted with a woman from the Mayasra family. The two families fought using sticks and stones, then Molotov cocktails and other weapons.
Three people were killed, with one burned to death. Six others were injured, and five houses and a cotton gin were set on fire. Some family members prevented fire engines from putting the fire out.
The second clash occurred in Maydoum village between the Khawala and Hanadla families. A Hanadla family member reportedly sold his land and forced out a Khawala family member who was renting it.
But the renter refused to leave, and the armed fight that followed led to one death and three injuries.
Armed forces, Central Security and criminal investigation officers cordoned off the village entrances and exits, as well as the public hospital, in fear of more clashes.
Thirteen people from the four families were arrested, and authorities notified the prosecution to conduct investigations.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
