Friday's clashes resulted in the death of at least 9 people. The main opposition party, meanwhile, is calling for an interim government and a new constitution.

Protesters took to the streets of Cairo despite the curfew deployed by Egypt's military.

They are demanding 82-year-old president Mubarak step down, since his regime is seen as corrupt, heavy-handed and neglectful of grinding poverty.

Flames rose up across a number of cities from burning tires and police cars.

Even the ruling party headquarters in Cairo was ablaze. A bank was also looted and the national carrier EgyptAir suspended flights to Cairo for 12 hours.

Internet and cell phone services, at least in Cairo, appear to be largely cut off. However, that did not prevent tens of thousands from flooding the streets. They are emboldened by the recent uprising in Tunisia, another North African Arab nation.