- Egyptian secret police files revealed 07/03/2011

PM - Egyptian secret police files revealed 07/03/2011: "Over the past two days activists in Egypt have stormed several offices in Alexandria and Cairo belonging to the former regime's secret police.

Thousands of Egyptian activists took control of the state security headquarters in Nasr City on Saturday night, reading and collecting classified material and gathering the shredded remains of documents for possible reconstruction.

Sara, an Egyptian blogger and activist, was inside the state security building. I asked her to describe what she saw.

SARA: We went through corridors full of offices. Each office had loads of shelves filled with files. There was one room that had TVs and video tapes and audio tapes as well.

It was just a building full of paper. There were trails of shredded paper on the floor. And in two of the rooms there were two huge garbage bags filled with shredded paper.

MARK COLVIN: What about the paper that wasn't shredded? Were you able to read anything of interest?

SARA: Oh yes. I went into an archive, archiving parents' councils meetings all over Egypt.

MARK COLVIN: Parent councillors - what do you mean? Just school parent councillors?

SARA: Yes! Yes, it's like an elected parents' boards that would you know just do adjustments to the building or maybe activities for the children. All these meetings were documented."

Britain to explain botched Libya mission

 Britain to explain botched Libya mission: "Britain says it will send a new team to establish contacts with Libya's opposition despite a botched weekend mission in which special forces soldiers and diplomats were mistaken for mercenaries.
Foreign Secretary William Hague, who authorized the plan, was scheduled to make a statement to Parliament later on Monday to explain the failure.
Hague confirmed on Sunday that a diplomatic team had been briefly detained by anti-Gadhafi forces after they landed close to Benghazi.
Some of the eight people detained were reportedly carrying explosives and fake passports.
In a phone-call broadcast on Libyan television, after the conversation was seemingly intercepted, Britain's ambassador made a humbling apology to an opposition spokesman for the unannounced arrival."

Libya: Colonal Gaddafi's Warplanes Bomb Key Rebel Town Of Brega | World News | Sky News

Libya: Colonal Gaddafi's Warplanes Bomb Key Rebel Town Of Brega | "Air force warplanes bombed the town's airport, as the area was targeted for a second day, according to rebel Captain Bashir Abdul Gadr.
There were also air strikes on a rebel position in the nearby town of Ajdabiyah, it was claimed.
No-one was thought to have been hurt in the Brega attack.
But a few rebel fighters were taken to hospital after a mortar they were handling exploded."

Using force against Libya is not acceptable.

U.S. warns of civil war in Libya unless Gaddafi goes  "Gaddafi remained defiant, dispatching forces to a western border area amid fears that the most violent Arab revolt may grow bloodier and cause a humanitarian crisis.

Tunisian border guards fired into the air on Tuesday to try to control a crowd of people clamoring to cross the frontier and escape the violence.

About 70,000 people have passed through the Ras Jdir border post in the past two weeks, and many more of the hundreds of thousands of foreign workers in Libya are expected to follow.

Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam warned the West against launching any military action to topple Gaddafi, and said the veteran ruler would not step down or go into exile.

'Using force against Libya is not acceptable. There's no reason, but if they want...we are ready, we are not afraid,' he told Sky television, adding: 'We live here, we die here.'"

David Cameron branded a wannabe hero by Gaddafi's son

David Cameron was mocked by Col Gaddafi’s son yesterday over his gung-ho threat to attack Libya.

Saif al-Islam accused Mr Cameron of trying to be a “hero of history” and treating Libya like a “joke”.

Mr Al-Islam claimed the Prime Minister had handled the crisis “very badly” and taunted: “He has all the freedom to say whatever he wants. We’re not listening to him.

“But if using force on Libya is happening, then we are ready. You come, we are not afraid.”

And he again stressed his dictator father’s determination to cling to power no matter the bloodshed as he vowed: “We are Libyans. We live here, we die here.”

But further signs of the crisis engulfing the country were clear yesterday as 10,000 refugees besieged its Tunisian border, which 110,000 have already fled across.

Meanwhile, Mr Cameron hastily backtracked on his belligerent posturing 24 hours earlier, when he went further than any other world leader and threatened air strikes, a no-fly zone and arming rebels."

Clashes between security forces and protesters reported in Iran

Clashes between security forces and protesters reported in Iran : "Tehran residents reported pockets of protests and clashes with security forces Tuesday on the streets of the Iranian capital.
But protesters appeared, by all accounts, to be heavily outmuscled by police, who showed in force in Tehran's squares and major thoroughfares in anticipation of demonstrations called by supporters of two key opposition leaders.
The Iranian opposition website Kaleme reported that security forces fired tear gas into a crowd of protesters in front of Tehran University. It described the surrounding streets as being very congested.
Witnesses reported more clashes along Azadi Avenue, where protesters were chanting 'death to the dictator' and 'Khamenei is a murderer. His authority is void.'"

Gaddafi fails to break siege

Gaddafi fails to break siege : "With escalating hostilities bringing Libya closer to civil war, Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi’s forces struck back at his opponents on three fronts, with special forces, regular army and, rebels said, fighter jets. But the rebels dismissed the attacks Monday as ineffectual, and Colonel Gaddafi faced a growing international campaign to force him from power.
As the Pentagon began repositioning Navy warships to support a possible humanitarian or military intervention, secretary of state Hillary Clinton bluntly told the Libyan leader to surrender power “now, without further violence or delay.”


The attacks by the colonel’s troops on an oil refinery in central Libya and on cities on either side of the country unsettled rebel leaders — who have maintained that they are close to liberating the country — and showed that despite defections by the military, the government may still possess powerful assets, including fighter pilots willing to bomb Libyan cities"

140,000 People Flee Libya | Africa | English

More Than 140,000 People Flee Libya | Africa | English: "The United Nations refugee agency says over the past 10 days, more than 140,000 people have fled to Egypt and Tunisia from Libya. The UNHCR says tens of thousands of people are stuck at the borders and in urgent need of help.

The U.N. refugee agency says the situation at the Libya-Tunisia border is chaotic. It says 14,000 people crossed the border Monday, the highest number to date.

The agency says it is crucial to move tens of thousands of people away from the overcrowded border to avoid a humanitarian crisis. But transportation is scarce. "

British veterinary soldier shot dead in Afghanistan

 British veterinary soldier shot dead in Afghanistan: "A British soldier from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps was shot dead in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence in London said.
The soldier was killed while on operations in the Nahr-e Saraj district in the restive Helmand Province.
The RAVC is responsible for the provision, training and care of animals in the army. The MoD did not specify the soldier's role, but the British military use sniffer dogs to detect improvised explosive devices planted by the Taliban.
The death comes as Afghan President Hamid Karzai visited Britain for talks on the planned transition of security responsibility from international troops to their Afghan counterparts in 2014.
Karzai paid tribute to the sacrifices made by British troops in Afghanistan, in a joint press conference with Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street."

Libya's poison gas unaffected by turmoil, official says

SpyTalk - Libya's poison gas unaffected by turmoil, official says: "A senior administration official said Monday that the White House had no reason to believe the current turmoil in Libya has made its chemical weapons stockpiles more vulnerable to theft.

Experts believe that Libya destroyed about 3,300 bombshells designed to carry mustard and sarin gas chemicals years ago, as part of its deal to end decades of economic and diplomatic isolation with the West.

But some 10 metric tons of mustard sulfate and sarin gas precursor remain stockpiled in barrels at three locations in the Libyan desert south of Tripoli, where Moammar Gaddafi has holed up in a last-ditch fight to keep from being overthrown.

Many experts worry that the barrels are ripe for picking by terrorists linked to al-Qaeda. Rumors abound, says an intelligence source with deep experience in the region, that British SAS commandos are preparing to secure the materials. Over the weekend SAS and Special Boat Service commandos rescued about 150 civilians."

Behind the scenes of Pakistan Raymond Davis 'spy' saga

 Behind the scenes of Pakistan Raymond Davis 'spy' saga: "The shooting of two Pakistani men by a US official has ignited a bitter diplomatic row. Amid rumours of blood money and CIA spies, the BBC's M Ilyas Khan went to Lahore to find the victims' case has been adopted by hardline religious and political groups.

On January 27 2011, an American man shot dead two Pakistani men. That much we know.

His name is Raymond Davis - but many in Pakistan question whether that is his real name. The US says he is an embassy official; unnamed US officials have claimed he is a CIA contractor.

The two men he shot were 18-year-old Mohammad Faheem and Faizan Haider, 23. Mr Davis says the men, who were riding a motorcycle, pulled over at his side at a traffic light and pointed a gun at him."

Thai agency says army did not kill Reuters cameraman

Thai agency says army did not kill Reuters cameraman "That conclusion contradicts a preliminary finding in a DSI report leaked to Reuters in December, which indicated the bullet that killed the Japanese journalist on April 10 came from the direction of troops.

DSI Director-General Tharit Pengdith said the bullet came from an AK-47, which did not match weapons used by soldiers in the street in Bangkok that day.

'Now we know for sure the bullet that killed him was a Russian-made AK-47, which we do not have for military use,' Tharit told Reuters, adding there would be a news conference on Monday to outline the findings.

Muramoto, 43, was based in Tokyo and had come to Bangkok to help cover anti-government 'red shirt' protests that lasted from March to mid-May last year. He was among 91 civilians and members of the security forces killed during the unrest."

Danish sailboat 'seized by pirates'

Danish sailboat 'seized by pirates' "A Danish sailboat carrying a family of five and two crew members has been seized by pirates in the Indian Ocean, officials say.

The Danish naval command received a distress signal from the vessel on February 24, the country's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

'It can now be confirmed that the sailboat has been hijacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean.'

A Danish family consisting of the parents and their three children 12-16 years of age and two Danish crew members were aboard when the vessel was seized, it said.

No further details were immediately available."

Gaddafi's mercenaries paraded at gunpoint

The price of war: Gaddafi's mercenaries paraded at gunpoint as rebels continue to seize Libyan cities : "The town of Zawiya, just 30 miles west of Tripoli, is marvelling at the miracle of its own liberation.

In the town square today, thousands were chanting 'Down, Down with the regime!' - the same chant which helped topple dictatorships in neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt.

Posters of Libya's leader have been torn down, the police station is a smouldering wreck, and copies of Gaddafi's infamous 'Green Book' - his manifesto for 41 years of dictatorship - lie torn and abandoned amid the debris of several days of ferocious fighting."

DISCLAIMER:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder.

End this official silence on the SAS

End this official silence on the SAS | Richard Norton-Taylor | Comment is free | The Guardian: "The letters SAS conjure up exotic, dangerous, and covert operations. This week the media had every reason to highlight the role played by Britain's special forces in supporting the missions by RAF Hercules aircraft to evacuate oil workers stranded deep in the Libyan desert. Armed SAS troops were in the Hercules on Saturday and Sunday as the planes landed at pre-arranged locations. Small-arms fire entered the cockpit of the last Hercules to land in the desert on Sunday and hit a pilot's helmet. He was unhurt, but it could have been serious. (The rebel group later apologised, saying they mistook the plane for a Gaddafi regime aircraft.)

The missions were meticulously planned and when there is no reliable or up-to-date intelligence, it is better to take precautions, defence officials say. And for the government it was a hugely welcome distraction from the criticism of delay and muddle over its initial handling of the crisis. Yet officially the Ministry of Defence has a policy of never commenting on the operations of Britain's special forces. The incident involving the helmet of the Hercules' pilot was not officially revealed, or even confirmed, but clearly was not going to be kept quiet for long. Officially, more can be said about MI5 and MI6 than the SAS or its naval equivalent, the SBS."

DISCLAIMER:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder.

UK rescue plane had a 'narrow escape'

 Libya unrest: UK rescue plane had a 'narrow escape': "Disaster was narrowly averted when small arms fire entered the cockpit of a RAF C130 Hercules evacuating Britons and foreign nationals from Libya, it has emerged.

One round bounced off the pilot's helmet but he was unscathed during Sunday's rescue of oil workers.

Earlier, 50 Britons and 150 foreign nationals arrived in Malta on HMS Cumberland as evacuation efforts go on.

David Cameron has urged Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi to 'go now'.

The prime minister said the north African country had no future 'that includes him'.

The BBC's Frank Gardner confirmed details of the narrow escape during the evacuation of oil workers - 20 of whom were British - from the desert."

:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder.

Welsh oilmen tell of Libya rescue by British forces

Welsh oilmen tell of Libya rescue by British forces: "Two oil workers from south Wales have told how British forces rescued them from Libya.

Marsden Sims, 63, a civil engineer from Tonyrefail, was among 218 British and foreign nationals taken to Malta on board HMS Cumberland on Monday.

He said looters had targeted his works compound at Messla.

Another man, Darren Simmons, from Cardiff, was flown out by the SAS, and he described them as 'absolutely exceptional'.

Mr Simmons, who was working in an oil field several hours from Tripoli, said: 'We had a phone call Saturday morning at 10 o' clock to say just get your basic essentials and we'd be picked up at 11 o' clock, by whom we didn't know.'

He said he and colleagues were taken to a desert camp where an RAF Hercules was waiting for them to board.

Mr Simmons was one of 154 people flown out."

Libya and Tunisia prompt France foreign policy changes

 Libya and Tunisia prompt France foreign policy changes: "Stung by criticism they were slow to react to the crises in Egypt and Tunisia, the French are moving to regain the initiative in north Africa.

On Sunday night came the widely expected resignation of Foreign Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie, embroiled in weeks of controversy surrounding her handling of the Tunisian crisis.

Now comes a French move to win hearts and minds in the new Libya: the first consignment of humanitarian aid.

The two planes France sent to the eastern city of Benghazi carried doctors, nurses, medicine and medical equipment to ease the pressure on hospitals in the east of Libya.

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon hailed 'the beginning of a massive operation of humanitarian support for the populations of the liberated territories'.

'And you will have seen that France was in the forefront of the decisions taken to sanction Col Gaddafi,' he said.

'We were the ones who called on the European Council to adopt a joint position on this matter.'"

International Pressure on Qaddafi Intensifies

International Pressure on Qaddafi Intensifies : "An international campaign to force Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi out of office gathered pace on Monday as the European Union adopted an arms embargo and other sanctions, the opposition showed increasing signs of organization in the east, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton bluntly told the Libyan leader to surrender power “now, without further violence or delay.”"

Former SAS troops put their skills on private market in hotspots like Libya

Former SAS troops put their skills on private market in hotspots like Libya .YOU find them wherever there is conflict, civil war, domestic terrorism, major organised crime or a natural disaster.

Members of The Circuit are drawn to danger zones not for money or romance, but because it’s the job they know best."

Mohamed Bouazizi set fire to himself on December 17

Mohamed Bouazizi set fire to himself on December 17, he ignited a revolution across the entire Arab region.

The 26-year-old Tunisian died of his injuries on January 5 and the impact of his self-immolation has since spread far beyond the borders of his own country. Few nations have remained immune, with full-scale uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen and Libya.

To date, the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt have resigned. The absolute monarchy in Bahrain is likely to be transformed into a constitutional monarchy, Yemen’s President Saleh is struggling, and the Libyan president has lost control over most of his country. Few Middle East observers would have believed, even months ago, that unarmed, peaceful demonstrators insisting on democratic rights and freedoms could have wrought such change in so short a time, and toppled some of the world’s most ruthless dictators."

Libyan rebels set for battle with troops

The regime, eager to reinforce its view that Libya was calm and under its control, took visiting journalists to Zawiya, 30 miles west of the Tripoli yesterday.

But the tour merely confirmed that rebels controlled the centre of the city of 200,000 people.

The charred hulks of cars littered the city, many buildings were pockmarked by bullets, and most streets were blocked by felled palm trees or metal barricades.

Police stations and government offices have been torched, and anti-Gaddafi graffiti - labelling him a 'mass murderer' - was everywhere. In the main square, an effigy of the leader hung from a lamp post with the words 'Execute Gaddafi' on its chest.

The mood was generally upbeat although the anticipation of a renewed attempt to retake the city was causing some anxiety.

'We are all wanted,' said one man who did not want to give his name for fear of reprisals. 'Zawiya in our hands is a direct threat to Tripoli.'

On Zawiya's outskirts were pro-Gaddafi forces, also backed by tanks and anti-aircraft guns."

Libyan rebels set for battle with troops - Africa, World - The Independent

Libyan rebels set for battle with troops - Africa, World - The Independent: "The regime, eager to reinforce its view that Libya was calm and under its control, took visiting journalists to Zawiya, 30 miles west of the Tripoli yesterday.

But the tour merely confirmed that rebels controlled the centre of the city of 200,000 people.

The charred hulks of cars littered the city, many buildings were pockmarked by bullets, and most streets were blocked by felled palm trees or metal barricades.

Police stations and government offices have been torched, and anti-Gaddafi graffiti - labelling him a 'mass murderer' - was everywhere. In the main square, an effigy of the leader hung from a lamp post with the words 'Execute Gaddafi' on its chest.

The mood was generally upbeat although the anticipation of a renewed attempt to retake the city was causing some anxiety.

'We are all wanted,' said one man who did not want to give his name for fear of reprisals. 'Zawiya in our hands is a direct threat to Tripoli.'

On Zawiya's outskirts were pro-Gaddafi forces, also backed by tanks and anti-aircraft guns."

Apology for a solution to crisis management

"Those Britons still stranded in Libya can take comfort: their Prime Minister is “extremely sorry”.

David Cameron is about as sorry, in fact, as it is possible for a prime minister to be before the word abject springs to mind. His compatriots are just sorry they’re not Dutch, German, Russian, French or Chinese.

Mr Cameron has had the air, though, of one who feels as though he’s the real victim of the Libyan crisis. You can just about see his point. Everything that could go wrong, short of HMS Cumberland springing a leak, has gone wrong. In the modern bureaucrat’s jargon, his Government has failed in its “core function” – looking after its own people – at every turn."

Libya was the Coalition's first big test - and they failed it

Libya was the Coalition's first big test - and they failed it - mirror.co.uk: "How right he was! And now we see what happens when you put boys in men’s jobs. A Tory-led government of bumbling amateurs, in total confusion, life-and-death danger facing Britons caught up the Libyan revolt.

Our people risked Colonel Gaddafi’s armed thugs in the streets of Tripoli or camped under siege in the desert, while Dodgy Dave Cameron toured the Middle East – not to bring peace but to sell arms.

His teenage deputy Nick Clegg simply forgot he was in charge.

He looks as if he’s having a nervous breakdown. The Government is certainly having a collective nervous breakdown.

Foreign Secretary William Hague, supposedly the one experienced hand in the Cabinet, told the world that Mad Dog Gaddafi had run away to Venezuela – while he was running up an umbrella in front of TV cameras in Tripoli.

Days after the rest of European governments got their people out, Vague Hague bleated “Yes, we have had a problem.” Too right, Houston. The only no-fly zone he could organise was in Gatwick."

RAF planes rescue 150 from Libya

 RAF planes rescue 150 from Libya: "Two RAF Hercules have rescued about 150 workers from the Libyan desert, Defence Secretary Liam Fox has said.

The planes, carrying Britons and other foreign nationals, have reached Malta.

Fears had been growing for British citizens left in the country which has been plunged into chaos as protests against Col Gaddafi's regime continue.

Meanwhile, the last government-chartered flight on which Britons could escape has left Tripoli and the British embassy there has suspended operations."

Qaddafi Vows More Deadly Attacks as Army Units Defect

Qaddafi Vows More Deadly Attacks as Army Units Defect: "Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi vowed to fight a growing rebellion until his 'last drop of blood,' as parts of the capital of Tripoli resembled a war zone and some of his followers and troops defected to the opposition.

In Tripoli, bodies were left in the streets after an attack on protesters by pro-Qaddafi gunmen, the opposition National Front for the Salvation of Libya said. In the eastern city of Benghazi, where the protests began, the flag of the constitutional monarchy overthrown by Qaddafi in 1969 flew on streets and over several buildings and there were no security forces in evidence except traffic police, witnesses said."

SAS in Libya ready to help stranded Britons

SAS in Libya ready to help stranded Britons "THE SAS has flown a snatch squad into Libya as fears grew for the safety of hundreds of stranded British citizens.

A source said: “We can no longer rest on our laurels. Everything is now being done to get our people home safely so the SAS has been sent in to extract anyone in difficulty.”

It is understood that the elite unit flew into Tripoli on an RAF Hercules troop carrier plane yesterday and more are on standby. The small detachment is also there to protect the C-130 aircraft as it lifts UK ­citizens and embassy staff out of Tripoli.

The crisis has also exposed the Hereford-based SAS as dangerously undermanned and under-resourced due to the ­Coalition’s defence cuts.

A senior military source said: “Special forces from the West are in Libya, all rescuing their citizens, many trained by us. It’s ironic in some cases they are the least resourced.”"

Moamer Kadhafi set for battle

Moamer Kadhafi set for battle "Embattled leader Moamer Kadhafi offered to arm civilians to defeat a popular revolt that poses the worst threat to his four-decade rule.

The UN Security Council called a special session to consider a sanctions resolution against the Libyan leader on top of those from President Barack Obama and the European Union in a clear attempt to weaken his teetering regime.

The escalating revolt to overthrow Kadhafi, which a Libyan diplomat to the United Nations said has killed thousands, has seen opponents grab almost the entire east and loyalists embark on shooting sprees in the capital.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, whose country is the former colonial power in Libya, became the first Western leader to spell out that Kadhafi appeared to have lost control of the situation."

Gaddafi threatens to 'burn all of Libya' if protesters do not cease

Gaddafi threatens to 'burn all of Libya' if protesters do not cease "Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi has threatened to 'burn all of Libya' if the citizens do not cease protests against him.

In a surprise televised appearance, Gaddafi warned he was ready to unleash further bloodshed and urged his followers: 'Prepare to defend Libya.'

He told loyalists in Tripoli's Green Square that 'we will defeat any outside attempt to overturn our country', and bizarrely added: 'Libyan people love me.'

He was attempting to stage a dramatic last attempt to cling on to power as tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Libya."

‘SAS swoop to rescue Aberdeen oil workers from Libya’

‘SAS swoop to rescue Aberdeen oil workers from Libya’ - Evening Express: "SPECIAL forces troops have been drafted in to rescue Aberdeen oil workers stranded in crisis-hit Libya, it was claimed today.

It was understood the SAS is involved in the operation to recover expats from remote desert compounds.

The move came as Lee Hutchison, 23, told how he was struggling to contact dad Billy, of Aberdeen, as a UK Government-backed evacuation of the country continued."

Libya: SAS return to land of its birth

Libya: SAS return to land of its birth |: "The places evoke past battles and names of celebrated commanders: Tobruk, Tripoli, Monty, Rommel, Wavell, Auchinleck.

In some of the most significant battles of the second world war, British-led troops in the western desert pushed the axis forces out of north Africa. Now the Libyan-Egyptian border area is witnessing another seismic development – opposition to a dictatorial colonel only recently considered virtually invulnerable.

It is also the birthplace of the SAS, whose troops have been waiting in Malta primed to return, not this time to blow up enemy supply lines, but to rescue stranded British civilians who have been busy restoring the country's infrastructure. And, in contrast to 70 years ago, the British government is refusing to discuss the SAS's putative mission.

The idea this time is that they would fly in with an empty RAF Hercules, rather than in trucks laden with extra fuel tanks with no room for any escapees. The SAS was formed in 1941 and was praised for its derring-do even by the Desert Fox, Field Marshal Rommel. In one of their first successful missions, they attacked three airfields in Libya, destroying 60 aircraft. The group's battle honours include Tobruk in 1941 and a raid on Benghazi in 1942."

SAS to rescue British oil workers stranded in Libyan desert

SAS poised to rescue British oil workers stranded in Libyan desert "SAS troops, with a unit of paras in support, are poised to help an estimated 150 British oil company workers stranded in isolated parts of the Libyan desert.

They were believed to be on standby in Malta ready to extricate the British nationals as the frigate HMS Cumberland prepared to arrive at the Mediterranean island with 200 Britons on board. The frigate HMS York was ordered to head east for the Libyan coast, though the captain had not yet been instructed with any specific task, defence officials said.

Officials referred to a 'range of assets' now available to British forces in the region. They are understood to include Chinook helicopters, Hercules aircraft which can land and take off on relatively short strips, and larger C17 aircraft which could land only at places with large airfields, such as Tripoli or Benghazi.A government official familiar with contingency plans that have been drawn up said: 'There are small pockets of people in a massive area'. He was referring to British oil workers stuck in the desert, at risk from attacks and looting."

DISCLAIMER:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder.

Libya unrest: Britons urged to flee Tripoli

Libya unrest: Britons urged to flee Tripoli: "Any Britons still in the Libyan capital Tripoli have been urged to board the final government-chartered rescue flight due to leave the country later.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said it was 'very important' to get on board as violent anti-regime protests continued.

He also said plans were being made to help UK oil workers stuck in desert areas, but could not give any details.

Meanwhile, 68 Britons were among 207 people who arrived in Malta on the navy frigate HMS Cumberland overnight.

The passengers will catch flights home while the ship returns to Benghazi, Libya's second largest city, to pick up more people, probably on Sunday. A second warship, HMS York, is also being sent."

Libya revolt: Tripoli braced as Gaddafi arms supporters

 Tripoli braced as Gaddafi arms supporters: "People in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, are braced for further battles after the country's leader, Col Muammar Gaddafi, said he would open weapons depots to arm his supporters.

Evacuations of thousands of foreign workers are continuing, by air, by sea and overland, but some remain trapped.

The US has blocked transactions involving the assets of Col Gaddafi and some close associates.

The UN estimates more than 1,000 have died in the 10-day-old revolt.

On Friday, an anti-government demonstration in the Libyan capital Tripoli came under heavy gunfire."

Gunfire erupts in Libyan capital

Gunfire erupts in Libyan capital | Herald Sun: "Libya's third city, Misurata, just 160km east of the capital, was deserted by regime loyalists Friday, a resident said, although deadly clashes were still raging at a nearby air base.

Al Jazeera reported that the western border with Tunisia remained in government hands and that those fleeing the chaos were being stripped of electronic equipment to prevent images from being distributed.

A witness said government forces shot dead four people who were trying to flee.

The towns of Zawiyah and Zwara, between Tripoli and the border, were in opposition hands, but Sky News reported that Ghadafi's forces were fighting back on the outskirts of Zawiyah.

UN human rights chief Navi Pillay said that 'thousands' possibly died after the uprising against Ghadafi began February 15, and the UN's food agency warned that food supplies there were running low.

Ghadafi's oldest son, Saif al Islam Ghadafi, said in an interview with CNN Turk that the regime would not destroy the nation's oil resources, although reports suggested that most of the industry was in opposition hands.

The younger Ghadafi said that the family planned 'to live and die in Libya' and had no intention of fleeing overseas."

Libya Moves to Bribe Its People into Peace

 Libya Moves to Bribe Its People into Peace - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency: "In a desperate bid to hold on to power, the embattled Libyan government announced Friday it mulls a significant increase in wages and more food subsidies for its people.

Libyan TV reports have said that every family will receive about USD 400 to help cover increased food prices, and that salaries for some public sector workers would increase by 150 percent.

Meanwhile, disturbing videos have been uploaded in YouTube, showing dead and bloody bodies of people who are reportedly soldiers, after they were executed for refusing to shoot demonstrators. Other videos show civilians preparing mass graves in Libya. As of Thursday, the 8th day of the ongoing unrest, reports say as many as 2,000 people have lost their lives.

On Friday, the EU announced it will decide within days on what sanctions it could impose on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi."

Gadhafi has always threatened Libyans with annihilation

Mansour El-Kikhia: Gadhafi will stop at nothing to remain in power; Obama needs to do more – Parker Spitzer - CNN.com Blogs: "Gadhafi has always threatened Libyans with annihilation. He imprisoned tortured, and murdered at will without restraint. Hundreds of Libyans have died under torture and many more in his foreign adventures. Gadhafi’s hired killers in the United States and Europe pursued exiles and many were murdered. He ordered the destruction of foreign and Libyan civilian aircrafts, supported civil wars in Africa and Asia that took the lives of thousands of innocent civilians.

Murder and mayhem is not something new for Mr. Gadhafi. He is has become quite adept at it and killing Libyan to remain in power is another day’s work. Indeed few rulers in modern history have hired mercenaries in the numbers that Mr. Gadhafi has employed to murder his own people. The man will stop at nothing to remain in power. He is currently proving that."

US considers closing embassy in Tripoli-official

US considers closing embassy in Tripoli-official | Reuters: "United States is considering closing its embassy in Tripoli amid violence between supporters of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and anti-government protesters, a U.S. official said on Friday.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the move was being considered but no decision had been made."

Libya unrest: Gaddafi's supporters carrying heavy arms don't want the people to gather. .

 Libya unrest: Eyewitness accounts: "people are just horrified. Gaddafi's supporters carrying heavy arms don't want the people to gather. They were just coming out in a crowd. They caused a massacre.

They started even shooting at whoever wanted to check what happened to the injured people. These people are not armed, they just came out from the mosque. They were just praying.

The whole neighbourhood is terrified - they are shooting at civilians, just so that one person can stay in power”

It was unbelievable. I had to run away.

We were trying to help a man and stop his bleeding. He was talking - he was OK. There are people lying on the street.

Nobody could take them. They were using ambulances to shoot at people - can you believe it? They were using anti-aircraft weapons. They were shooting continuously.

You'd think you are in a war zone. This is a civil area. People are not armed.

I am so shocked, about what happened today. The whole neighbourhood is terrified. They are shooting at civilians, just so that one person can stay in power. This is unbelievable."

Libyan Military Officers Defect : The Two-Way : NPR

Libyan Military Officers Defect : The Two-Way : NPR: "Eastern Libya appears to be controlled by forces and protesters who oppose embattled Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. NPR's Lourdes Garcia Navarro entered the region and tells Morning Edition the Libyans she's spoken to fear that Gadhafi is 'unhinged', 'insane' and he'll continue his violent, unpredictable behavior.

Libyan Major Colonel Sulieman Mahmoud talked with Lourdes and other journalists yesterday and says he defected from Gadhafi's command when he learned troops were killing Libyan protesters. Lourdes says the country's justice minister has quit; the New York Times says the interior minister has resigned.

As Mark noted, Gadhafi spoke furiously for an hour yesterday blaming intoxicated youth and terrorists for the violence and warning he'll cleanse Libya himself if he has to."

Hungary: suspected Nazi war criminal Sandor Képiró to face trial - Foreign - The Sofia Echo

Hungary: suspected Nazi war criminal Sandor Képiró to face trial - Foreign - The Sofia Echo: "Former Hungarian gendarmerie officer Sándor Képíró has been indicted for alleged war crimes committed almost 70 years ago, the Budapest prosecutor’s office announced on February 14. Képíró, who turned 97 last Friday, has been top of the Los Angeles-based Simon Wiesenthal Center’s most-wanted list since 2006, the Budapest Times reported on February 22.

The charges relate to events in the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina in January 1942 that became known as the Novi Sad massacre. Hundreds of civilians were forced to walk onto the frozen Danube river, where they were either shot or allowed to fall through the ice. Hungarian estimates suggest that over 3 000 mostly Serbian and Jewish victims were killed during six days of reprisals against the activity of Yugoslav partisans.

Hungary was allied to Nazi Germany and the axis powers during the Second World War, and Képíró was a captain in the Hungarian gendarmerie."

Serbia police search for Croatian Serb fugitive sought by UN war crimes tribunal

 Serbia police search for Croatian Serb fugitive sought by UN war crimes tribunal: "Serbian police are searching three locations as part of efforts to capture Goran Hadzic, one of the two remaining fugitives sought by a U.N. war crimes court.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic says the searches were launched early Thursday northwest of Belgrade. He gave no other details.
Serbia must arrest Hadzic and genocide suspect Ratko Mladic if it wants to move closer to EU membership. The chief U.N. war crimes prosecutor for the former Yugoslavia Serge Brammertz visited this week to check progress on the issue.
Former Croatian Serb leader Hadzic is wanted by the court in The Hague, Netherlands, for atrocities in the Croatian war, while wartime Bosnian Serb commander Mladic is accused of orchestrating the 1995 massacre of 8,000 Muslims in Srebrenica."

Serbian police general guilty of Kosovo war crimes

Serbian police general guilty of Kosovo war crimes: "The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) Wednesday sentenced Serbian police general Vlastimir Djordjevic to 27 years in prison for war crimes in the Kosovo conflict.

Djordjevic, 62, was found guilty of persecution on racial grounds, the forcible deportation of 800,000 Kosovo Albanians, inhumane acts, and the murder of at least 724 people by forces under his control.

He was the head of Serbia's police forces during the 1998-99 Kosovo war.

The court ruled that Djordjevic was a part of a joint criminal enterprise, led by then-Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic, aimed at altering the ethnic balance in Kosovo to the detriment of the majority Kosovo Albanians.

His crimes include the murder of Albanian civilians, their expulsion from their homes and villages, and the torching of their property and shrines.

The forces commanded by Djordjevic were also involved in burying hundreds of murdered civilians in mass graves in an effort to hide the atrocities, the court found."