CAIRO — A series of explosions outside Cairo University killed two people on Wednesday, April 2, including a police brigadier-general, in what appeared to be a militant attack targeting security forces.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Islamist militants have carried out many similar operations against police and soldiers since the army ousted President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood in July after mass protests against him.

The fast-growing insurgency threatens the security of the most populous Arab nation ahead of a presidential election, announced for May 26-27.

Two bombs, left among trees outside the university, killed the police officer and wounded five other security forces who had been guarding the facility, the ministry said.

Shortly afterwards, a third blast killed one person, security officials said.

People screamed and ran for safety after the attacks as panic spread on the streets and on campus in an upmarket area near the zoo in Giza, a Reuters witness said. Police found a fourth bomb in the area.

“We expect trouble for the long term. How can the police protect us when they can’t even protect themselves. It is not possible,” said student Mohamed Abdel Aziz outside Cairo University after the explosions.