The Egyptian armed forces decided on Wednesday to deploy more troops in different provinces to restore order and ensure security as a general strike is called for across the country on Saturday, the first anniversary of the fall of ex- president Hosni Mubarak.

The move was to protect private and public properties, secure roads and arrest the outlaws, official MENA news agency reported.

The ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) faces severe criticism over a match football riot that killed 74 and injured hundreds, as well as the recent interior ministry clashes which left 15 dead.

Youth groups, including the April 6 movement and university students, are calling for civil disobedience on Saturday to press the ruling military council to transfer power immediately. But the call has been rejected by the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafists, the majority in the new parliament.