BC-US--Egypt-International Companies,136 Companies halt operations amid violence in Egypt

A number of international companies are suspending operations in Egypt as three days of violent clashes make the streets unsafe in Cairo.

Electrolux, General Motors, Royal Dutch Shell, Toyota, Suzuki, BASF and others shut down factories and offices and told thousands of workers to stay at home.

Violence in Egypt has left nearly 700 people dead since Wednesday after riot police razed two Cairo encampments where supporters of President Mohammed Morsi protested his ouster.

Electrolux spokesman Daniel Frykholm says the Swedish appliance maker is making sure its 6,700 workers in Egypt aren't exposed to risks traveling to and from work.

Most of the companies will remain closed through the end of the Egyptian weekend on Saturday. Many said they would assess the situation Saturday evening to determine if it's safe enough for workers to return Sunday.