Tens of thousands of Morsi supporters rally in Egypt

CAIRO: Tens of thousands poured onto Egypt's streets on Friday demanding the reinstatement of ousted president Mohamed Morsi, despite warnings by the military of a crackdown on violent protests.

The rallies come a day after Morsi's army-installed successor Adly Mansour vowed to fight for stability against opponents he accused of wanting to plunge the crisis-hit country "into the unknown".

A vast crowd gathered at Cairo's Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque, where Morsi's supporters have camped out since the military overthrew him on July 3.

About 10,000 protesters then set off in the direction of an elite military compound, scene of the deadliest violence since Morsi's overthrow, carrying pictures of the deposed president and chanting slogans.

But they were blocked by soldiers and armoured vehicles.

"Islamic, Islamic," they shouted, of their hopes for an Islamic state, as fighter jets flew overhead and military helicopters whirled in the sky.

"I believe Morsi will return as president, God willing. The people will win in the end," said a man who gave his name as Mohammed, 45.

Smaller rallies took off elsewhere in Cairo, second city Alexandria, and other parts of Egypt after Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood had called for a day of protests dubbed "Breaking the Coup".

On the eve of the demonstrations, Mansour pledged to rein in those who wanted to push Egypt "into the unknown".

"We will fight the battle for security to the end. We will preserve the revolution," he said, in comments echoed by the army.

Although mostly peaceful, the pro-Morsi protests have resulted in deadly clashes, with the unrest claiming more than 100 lives in all, according to an AFP tally.

In the worst bloodshed, at least 53 people were killed outside the Cairo headquarters of the Republican Guard on July 8, mostly Morsi supporters.

The Brotherhood accuses the army of committing a "massacre" at the site, while the military says it was responding to a "terrorist" attack. (AFP)