British and French attack helicopters struck for the first time inside Libya, giving the NATO campaign more muscle against Moammar Gadhafi’s forces. Hours later, Tripoli was hit by another round of airstrikes and eight explosions sounded in the capital.
The use of helicopters significantly ramped up NATO’s operations and was a major boost to Libyan rebels, just a day after the fighters forced government troops from three western towns and broke the siege of a fourth. It was yet another erosion of Gadhafi’s power since the eruption in mid-February of the uprising to end his 42-year rule.
Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard, commander of the Libya operation, said the engagement “demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters.” Until now, NATO has relied on attack jets, generally flying above 15,000 feet.
The British Apaches hit two targets near the eastern oil town of Brega, said British Maj. Gen. Nick Pope, and separate Royal Air Force aircraft destroyed another military installation near Brega and two ammunition bunkers at the large Waddan depot in central Libya.
EGYPT: Former finance minister sentenced to 30 years.
Egypt’s former finance minister was sentenced in absentia Saturday to 30 years in prison for squandering public funds and abusing his authority, the state news agency said.
Yousef Boutros-Ghali, a nephew of former U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, left Egypt during the uprising that forced out President Hosni Mubarak in February. Yousef Boutros-Ghali was a powerful confidant of Mubarak’s son, Gamal.
Also, protesters in Cairo pelted a police station and torched an armored vehicle overnight following the death of a bus driver who fought a police officer. Security officials said they were investigating the case, which reignited long-simmering anger toward Egypt’s security forces.
TUNISIA: Unemployment fight turns deadly in mining town.
Fighting over unemployment erupted in a mining town in the southwest, killing five people and injuring 90. Tunisia’s official TAP news agency said the clashes erupted in the town of Metlaoui after rumors surfaced about a change in the recruitment policies of the region’s main employer.
Denver Post wire services
