Ten people were killed in violence across Egypt on Wednesday, months ahead of a presidential vote meant to put Egypt back on a democratic path after last July’s army takeover.

In Qalubiya province, north of Cairo, two soldiers were killed in a shootout with militants, the Interior Ministry said, adding that six militants were killed and eight arrested in a raid on a weapons storage facility.

A 13-year-old boy was shot dead in southern Egypt and one man was killed in Cairo, both in clashes between police and supporters of deposed elected President Mohammed Mursi, the health ministry said.

Violence, which has dogged Egypt since a popular uprising toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011, is expected to intensify as the country prepares for a presidential vote that army chief Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al Sisi is expected to win easily.

The Interior Ministry said the two soldiers were killed in a raid on members of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, Egypt’s most active militant group.

The Sinai-based group has claimed responsibility for several high-profile attacks, including an assassination attempt on the interior minister last year.

A health official said a 13-year-old boy was shot dead in clashes between police and pro-Mursi protesters in the city of Beni Suef, south of Cairo. The Interior Ministry said 12 protesters were arrested.

Demonstrations also took place in several places in the capital. Medical sources said around 40 pro-Mursi demonstrators were wounded by birdshot or tear gas near Cairo University.