Number of dead rises to 18, 13 in Suez, in Egypt protests

Military deployed on streets for first time since protests began; gov't officials and businessmen flee Egypt in private jets.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Egypt riots_311 (photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Egypt riots_311
(photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The number of people killed in the latest day of anti-government protests in Egypt rose to 18 on Friday, with 13 people killed in the port city of Suez, al-Jazeera reported. Nearly 20 people were also reportedly injured in the protests in Suez, with over 900 people injured throughout the country.RELATED:Internet, phones down as Egypt braces for protests Egypt: Internet down, gov't deploys special force ElBaradei arrives in Egypt vowing to oust Mubarak Earlier, five people were confirmed dead in protests in Cairo.
As night fell, several government officials and businessmen fled Egypt in private jets, reported Reuters.
Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities were reportedly holding talks to establish a "transitional government," following the series of deadly protests against President Hosni Mubarak's regime.
Earlier Friday, Egyptian state television said Mubarak imposed a curfew on Cairo, Alexandria, and Suez after violent demonstrations there.
Egypt's military was also deployed on the streets of Cairo for the first time since the protests began four days ago.
Parts of the ruling party headquarters in Cairo were going up in flames apparently set by enraged protesters demanding Mubarak's ouster.
Friday's protests saw tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators pouring into the streets, stoning and confronting police who fired back with rubber bullets and tear gas in the most violent and chaotic scenes yet in the challenge to Mubarak's 30-year rule.
Groups of thousands of protesters, some chanting "out, out, out," gathered at different venues across Cairo, some marching toward major squares and across scenic Nile bridges. Security officials said there were protests in at least 11 of the country's 28 provinces.
The protesters have said they are emboldened by the uprising in Tunisia, another north African Arab nation. Egypt is Washington's closest Arab ally, but Mubarak may be losing US support. The Obama administration has publicly counseled Mubarak to introduce reforms and refrain from using violence against the protesters.
The United States said the situation in Egypt is of "deep concern" and called on Egyptian authorities to enact reforms and allow peaceful protests and open communication as anti-government street protests swell.An Obama administration official said that the US will review its $1.5 billion in aid to Egypt based on events unfolding in the country.
The US also warned citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Egypt and urged Americans in the country to stay put.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the situation. Egypt has been a key US ally in the volatile region. US officials are now increasing calls on  Mubarak to respond with restraint and reverse steps taken to cut off the protesters' ability to communicate.
Mubarak has not been seen publicly or heard from since the protests began Tuesday. While Mubarak may still have a chance to ride out this latest challenge, his choices are limited, and all are likely to lead to a loosening of his grip on power.
Mubarak has not said yet whether he will stand for another six-year term as president in elections this year. He has never appointed a deputy and is thought to be grooming his son Gamal to succeed him despite popular opposition. According to leaked US memos, hereditary succession also does not meet with the approval of the powerful military.
Mubarak and his government have shown no hint of concessions to the protesters who want political reform and a solution to rampant poverty, unemployment and rising food prices.