Egyptian soldier held in child's killing

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CAIRO, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- An Egyptian soldier who killed a 10-year-old street vendor in Cairo will be detained until an investigation is complete, officials said.

The unnamed soldier was working at a checkpoint near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo on Feb. 3 when he shot Omar Salah, who was selling sweet potatoes on a street, the Egyptian news organization Ahram Online reported Friday.

It was unclear what prompted the attack on the boy.

An investigation by the "military prosecution" is ongoing, a military source told Ahram.

Thursday military spokesman Ahmed Ali issued a formal apology for the killing, stressing Egypt's armed forces are committed to following correct legal procedures.

Human rights activists called for a symbolic funeral Friday for Salah at Cairo's Tahrir Square.