Egypt protests: Tension rises as air force jets, helicopter buzz Cairo square

Cairo (Egypt), Jan 30(ANI): Tension is mounting in the Egyptian capital Cairo after the military staged an apparent show of strength during a sixth day of anti-government protests.

According to the BBC, two air force jets and a helicopter flew low over central Cairo's Tahrir Square, the main gathering point for demonstrators.

Earlier, despite the presence of armoured vehicles, the protesters appeared to have free rein in the city centre, with no sign of the riot police with whom they have clashed violently in recent days.

At one point, an army officer was carried aloft on the shoulders of cheering protesters.

The police, who have been involved in violent clashes with protesters in recent days, have largely disappeared from the streets.

Massive protests are being staged across Egypt, calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.

Refusing to give in to a popular demand to resign, Mubarak has promised to replace ministers in his government.

The Egyptian Government is trying to quiet the message in an otherwise open society, shutting down major Internet and cell phone services, making communication and organization difficult.

A curfew was issued, but ignored by protesters.

At least 100 people have been killed and hundreds injured in the clashes. (ANI)