Turkey warns its citizens in Egypt to avoid protest sites

Turkey has warned its citizens in Egypt to stay away from protests and avoid travelling overland, local media reported on Monday.

"The citizens who will travel to Egypt should (prefer) towns and cities that have direct flights (with Turkey), and avoid travelling by land," the media report quoted a statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying, "It is also necessary to stay away from the squares where demonstrations are held."

The ministry also advised the Turkish nationals in Egypt to contact the Turkish embassy in Cairo, the General Consulate in Alexandria or the ministry's call center in case of emergency.

Egypt has been witnessing nationwide clashes between supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and security forces after the latter on Wednesday dispersed two major pro-Morsi sit- ins in Cairo and Giza. Over 800 people have been killed then across Egypt.