Thousands descend on Cairo for mass rallies

[NewsCaster]

Khaled Elfiqi / EPA: Supporters of Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi demonstrate in Cairo on Dec. 11.

By NBC News staff and wire reportsThousands of opponents and supporters of Egypt's Islamist president flocked to key locations in the nation's capital ahead of rival mass rallies Tuesday, four days before a nationwide referendum on a contentious draft constitution.

The demonstrators began to gather just hours after masked assailants set upon opposition protesters staging a sit-in at Tahrir Square, firing birdshot and swinging knives and sticks, according to security officials. At least 11 protesters were wounded in the pre-dawn attack, according to a Health Ministry spokesman quoted by the official MENA news agency. It was unclear who was behind the pre-dawn attack.

NBCNews

[Shola Sholaz]

When it comes to protests, i give it to Egypt

[Shola Sholaz]

They don't give up easily in things like dis so i expect their persistence.They are known for that

[Shola Sholaz]

I trust them for that one.Egyptians are always known for that.Their kind of unity is sublime

[Shola Sholaz]

Nigeria should cultivate such habit too