Egypt has ordered the closure of Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera in the country for its coverage of anti-government riots, the official MENA news agency reported Sunday.

Anas al-Fikki, Egypt's outgoing information minister, has "ordered the closure of all activities by Al Jazeera in the Arab republic of Egypt, and the annulment of its licences, as well as withdrawing the press cards to all its employees as of (Sunday)," MENA said.

Al Jazeera was still broadcasting when the announcement was made.