Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Egypt has deployed thousands of soldiers as well as
U.S.-origin combat vehicles to destroy the opposition campaign for the end
of military rule.

The Egyptian Army sent thousands of soldiers with batons to attack
protesters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. In more than two days of battle, dozens have already been reported killed and more than 1,500 injured in the bloodiest
assault since the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak in February.

“Tomorrow, the whole of Egypt will follow your lead,” Egyptian
presidential candidate Hazem Salah Abu Ismail told the protesters.

Witnesses said the soldiers joined with police in firing rubber bullets and tear gas in Tahrir Square, the focus of the revolt against Mubarak. The Army units then torched dozens of tents in an attempt to quell the expanding opposition campaign for the end of military rule. Fighting continued on Nov. 21 as protesters refused to leave the square.

The army used what appeared to be U.S.-origin armored personnel carriers and other combat vehicles around Tahrir Square. The Army, granted the lead in anti-riot operations, also deployed forces and vehicles to quell protests in Alexandria and other cities. The Interior Ministry reported that 85
police officers were injured, many of them by firebombs and pellets.

Opposition sources said the current unrest was supported by the Muslim
Brotherhood, expected to win parliamentary elections on Nov. 28. They said
talks between the military regime and the Brotherhood over a power-sharing
arrangement collapsed, with the ruling council refusing to set a date for
presidential elections.

“Everyone should know that we and our people will not allow the
cancellation or the postponement of the [parliamentary] elections, whatever
the cost is,” the Brotherhood said. “This would mark a coup against the
revolution, freedom and democracy, and a way to renew despotism, corruption
and slavery.”

Egypt has been the second largest recipient of U.S. military assistance,
with $1.3 billion per year. In 2011, Washington received reports that the
Mubarak regime employed U.S.-origin M1A1 main battle tanks and at least one
F-16 multi-role fighter to intimidate protesters.

“The spilled blood of Egyptians requires an immediate investigation to
bring those responsible to justice,” another presidential candidate, Hamdeen
Sabbahi, said.

The military regime, called the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces,
expressed regret for the clashes. The council said parliamentary elections
would take place on time and the military would eventually step aside.

“The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces does not intend to extend the
transitional period and will not permit by any means hindering the process
of democratic transition,” the ruling council said.

  Crackdown in Cairo: Military smashes protests against military rule, Egypt elections, Egypt military, Hosni Mubarak, Tahir Squarea