In the wake of the deteriorating situation in Egypt, President Barack Obama announced Thursday that the U.S. will no longer participate in a joint military exercise with the country’s government scheduled next month.
“The United States strongly condemns the steps that have been taken by Egypt’s interim government and security forces,” Obama said via a live audio feed while on vacation on Martha’s Vineyard.
“The Egyptian people deserve better than what we’ve seen over the last few days,” he added.
The Egyptian Health Ministry again raised the death toll from the previous day’s clashes between police and supporters of the country’s ousted president to 525. While Obama made no mention of the $1.3 billion in aid the U.S. provides to Egypt annually, he did say that “further steps” would be taken if the situation is not stabilized.
