Obama: US canceling military exercise with Egypt

CHILMARK, Massachusetts — President Barack Obama has made his first public statement on the rapidly deteriorating situation in Egypt, saying the U.S. will cancel its joint military exercise because of the rising violence there.

He interrupted his weeklong vacation Thursday to address the fighting that has left more than 500 people dead.

Secretary of State John Kerry already has condemned the clashes between Egypt’s military-backed interim government and supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi.

The Bright Star military exercise has been a centerpiece of the countries’ military relations for decades.