The U.S. Embassy in Egypt has warned remaining Americans in the country to proceed immediately to the airport, and by no later than Thursday in the wake of heavy gunfire and violence breaking out in the streets of Cairo.

“Approximately 1,800 U.S citizens and their family members have been evacuated from Egypt in an operation that began on Monday, January 31,” the Embassy said in a public announcement tonight on its website. “Additional U.S. government flights after Thursday are unlikely. Do not wait for a call from the U.S. Embassy. Further delay is not advisable.”

On Wednesday, pro-Mubarak supporters took to the street on camel and horseback which significantly escalated the atmosphere among the demonstrators protesting against the rule of the Egyptian president.

Initial reports claimed four people were killed on the streets of Cairo amidst heavy gunfire coming from multiple directions.

Al Jazeera English television on Wednesday night characterized the violence in Freedom Square as “shocking” that people could be coming under live fire in Egypt’s capitol.

Witnesses say the Egyptian army has refrained from intervening to stop the shooting.

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