Egyptian Police Clash With Gunmen Near Cairo

Government trying to control Islamist-controlled area

(Reuters) - Egyptian security forces clashed with gunmen on the outskirts of Cairo on Thursday as the army-backed government moved to reassert control over an Islamist-dominated area where political violence broke out last month.

A police general was killed in an exchange of gunfire outside the town of Kerdasa, 14 km (9 miles), from the capital.

Dozens of police and army vehicles entered Kerdasa at daybreak in the second operation this week to restore control over areas where hostility to the authorities has grown since the army deposed President Mohamed Mursi on July 3.