Egyptian PM: Pro-Mubarak Attacks “blatant mistake”

Tanks, soldiers clear Liberty Square of pro-government rioters, cops

Cairo - In an amazing turn of events, newly-appointed Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq ordered the streets cleared of pro-government rioters, deployed tanks to keep them away from anti-government revolutionists, and apologized for the attacks.

It was the 10th day of the anti-government revolution and marked the first incident of clashes between pro and anti-government elements.

He acknowledge the attacks were likely organized by the government and promised to investigate just who was behind it.

The regime stands accused of using paid thugs and policemen in civilian clothing in the attacks as soldiers stood by and did nothing. Mubarak backers also attacked journalists, stabbing one with a screwdriver, smashing cameras and beating Al Jazeera cameramen and producers.

At one point, the anti-government forces pushed the attackers back. The pro-government forces then fled to a highway overpass where they had held the high ground and used it to pelt the revolutionaries with stones and bottles filled with gasoline.

After the army cleared the area of pro-government forces, many more anti-government activists flooded Liberty Square and took up their positions. At that point, soldiers stepped out of the way and the clashes resumed. Cairo - In an amazing turn of events, newly-appointed Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq ordered the streets cleared of pro-government rioters, deployed tanks to keep them away from anti-government revolutionists, and apologized for the attacks.

He acknowledge the attacks were likely organized by the government and promised to investigate just who was behind it.

The regime stands accused of using paid thugs and policemen in civilian clothing in the attacks as soldiers stood by and did nothing. Mubarak backers also attacked journalists, stabbing one with a screwdriver, smashing cameras and beating Al Jazeera cameramen and producers.

At one point, the anti-government forces pushed the attackers back. The pro-government forces then fled to a highway overpass where they had held the high ground and used it to pelt the revolutionaries with stones and bottles filled with gasoline.

After the army cleared the area of pro-government forces, many more anti-government activists flooded Liberty Square and took up their positions. At that point, soldiers stepped out of the way and the clashes resumed.