Canada has temporarily closed its embassy in Cairo because of rioting over an anti-Muslim film, says Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird.

“As a security precaution, and to ensure the protection of Canadian staff, we have closed our Embassy in Cairo for the day,” Baird said Thursday in an email statement to the Star.

The Canadian embassy is located only 400 metres from the U.S. embassy in Cairo, which has been the target of rioting for three days over what is purported to be an anti-Islamic film from the U.S.

“We take the safety of our personnel and our mission overseas very seriously. We are monitoring events closely and taking appropriate security measures,” said Baird, who refused to be specific on what precautions are being taken.

Police tried to disperse a crowd of demonstrators throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails in Tahrir Square, near the embassy.

Egyptian government officials said Thursday that at least 13 protesters and six police officers were injured.

The Canadian embassy in Cairo is routinely closed Friday and Saturday and it is yet to be determined whether the door will open Sunday.

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