A failed assassination attempt on Egypt’s vice president in recent days left two of his bodyguards dead, U.S. sources tell Fox News, though that information has yet to be confirmed on the ground in Cairo. Such an attempt on the life of Omar Suleiman would mark an alarming turn in the uprising against the government of President Hosni Mubarak, who only recently named Suleiman as vice president in an effort to quell the unrest and possibly line up a successor. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs declined to address the assassination reports when asked by Fox News. “I’m not going to … get into that question,” Gibbs said. Sulieman blamed foreigners and political opponents within the Muslim Brotherhoodfor 10 days of turmoil that has rocked the nation. More… A top Egyptian official added this on the attack: “It’s amazing this hasn’t been picked up … because he is the transition plan, or at least one of them for the Egyptians,” the official said. According to Fox News, an apparent attack on Omar Suleiman in recent days marks an alarming turn of events in the continuing anti-government protests in the streets of Cairo, suggesting some protesters may be willing to force a violent coup as President Hosni Mubarak refuses to relinquish power. Mubarak appointed Suleiman as vice president on January 29 after dismissing his own cabinet at the behest of growing protests. Fox News is reporting that, according to sources, the orchestrated attack on Suleiman was so “well organized,” security officials are classifying it as an assassination plot. When asked to address the assassination reports Friday, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs declined to comment. “I’m not going to … get into that questions,” he said Friday. Suleiman is expected to meet Saturday with a group of prominent officials to discuss a proposed solution to the country’s crisis, including possibly assuming the presidency on a temporary basis if Mubarak steps down. The LA Times reports: Diaa Rashwan told Reuters news agency Friday that he and others had been invited to see Vice President Omar Suleiman, an ex-intelligence chief who has the confidence of Washington, to discuss an article of the constitution allowing President Hosni Mubarak to hand powers to his deputy. The negotiations could allow Mubarak to stay and serve out his fifth term, but stripped of his powers. In addition to the reported violence against Suleiman, a government official, an Egyptian journalist was killed by a sniper on Jan. 28 at his home near Tahrir Square as he took photos from a balcony. Ahmed Mohammed Mahmoud, 36, died of his wounds Friday, marking the first first
Assassins failed to kill Egyptian Vice President and security chief Omar Suleiman. Two of his bodyguards were reportedly killed in the attack.
FOX News reported:
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Assasination Attempt on Egyptian VP – 2 Bodyguards Killed …Media Silent
Posted by Jim Hoft on Friday, February 4, 2011
So much for that peaceful protest narrative…
New Egyptian VP Targeted in Assassination Attempt
February 4, 2011 Meredith Jessup
A failed attempt on the life of Egypt’s newly appointed vice president has reportedly left two of his bodyguards dead.
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