Cairo (CNN) -- An Egyptian police brigadier general was killed and five others were injured in bombings Wednesday outside Cairo University, the Interior Ministry said. Three blasts rocked the area outside the university campus -- the first two in quick succession near the faculty of engineering and a third a little later near the main gate. Hundreds of police and security officials cordoned off the area, where forensic experts and sniffer dogs were brought in to investigate. Ambulances also arrived on the scene. Attacks targeting security forces have become increasingly common in Egypt since the army deposed Islamist President Mohamed Morsy, who hails from the Muslim Brotherhood, in July following mass protests against his rule.
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A third bomb explodes outside Cairo University
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Egyptian police brigadier general killed, five people injured, Interior Ministry says
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It says that two explosive devices were in trees in the area
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Egypt has been in turmoil since army ousted Islamist president in July
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but Islamist militants have carried out similar operations in a fast-growing insurgency threatening @placeholder, which will hold presidential elections on May 26-27.
In recent weeks, the area around the university has become a battleground for clashes between police and @placeholder supporters.