The U.S. will cancel its joint military exercise with Egypt because of the rising violence there, President Barack Obama has said in his first public statement on the rapidly deteriorating situation, according to Belfast Telegraph.

He interrupted his week-long holiday to address the fighting that has left more than 500 people dead.

Secretary of State John Kerry already has condemned the clashes between Egypt's military-backed interim government and supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi.

The Bright Star military exercise has been a centerpiece of the countries' military relations for decades.