DHAKA: An Egyptian police officer was shot dead on Thursday, state media reported, during a security operation on the outskirts of Cairo aimed at reasserting control over an area where gunmen killed 11 policemen last month.

The police had earlier fired tear gas and exchanged gunfire with gunmen in the area of Kerdasah, state TV reported, says The Jerusalem Post.

Kerdasah police station was abandoned after it was hit with rocket propelled grenades and gunfire on August 14, the same day security forces moved against protests by supporters of deposed president Mohamed Mursi in Cairo, killing hundreds.

BDST: 1355 HRS, SEPT 19, 2013
RoR/BSK