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Two Libyan pilots defect, say ordered to bomb protesters

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VALLETTA | Mon Feb 21, 2011 1:54pm EST

VALLETTA (Reuters) - Two Libyan Air Force fighter pilots defected on Monday and flew their jets to Malta where they told authorities they had been ordered to bomb protesters, Maltese government officials said.

They said the two pilots, both colonels, took off from a base near Tripoli. One of them has requested political asylum.

(Reporting by Christopher Scicluna; editing by Diana Abdallah)
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Comments (10)
ajmg1 wrote:
Colonels? They are the same rank as Gaddafi. Way to go guys.

Feb 21, 2011 4:00pm EST  --  Report as abuse
Connolly wrote:
Ever wonder why the US & Allies never tried to help these people under dictatorships but kept a ’status quo’ with it’s rulers?

Not only do these countries need new leaders but also the United States. Our leaders may act as if they are above those kinds of actions and I’m sure they are. BUT, they take our money, use it for political favors by foreign entities, live in luxury and fight between parties over using the money for their purposes.

Time for new leadership. ALL of Congress and the Executive branch must be replaced. They have taken what belongs to us long enough. We continue to struggle to make an average life for ourselves while they are taking bonuses, benefits and special interest favors for their personal use.

Lets put an end to ‘Self Serving’ elected officials.

Feb 21, 2011 4:12pm EST  --  Report as abuse
dslovejoy wrote:
The beginning of a military coup de tat?

Feb 21, 2011 4:26pm EST  --  Report as abuse
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