Fighter Jets Fly Above Egypt Protesters 

Fighter jets have swooped low over Cairo in an apparent attempt to assert control over anti-Mubarak protesters, as a leading opposition leader tells them they "cannot go back".

 

Video: Sky correspondent Stuart Ramsay reports from Cairo.

The appearance of the air force was considered to be part of efforts to send demonstrators back to their homes before the night curfew.

Several tanks were also seen rumbling into the city center and the suburbs while the jets made multiple passes overhead.

However, troops made no attempt to move the thousands of people in Tahrir Square calling for the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak.

One of the leading opposition figures Mohamed ElBaradei has now joined the protesters in the square.

He told them: "You have taken back your rights and what we have begun cannot go back.

"I bow to the people of Egypt in respect. I ask of you patience, change is coming in the next few days."

The developments in the capital comes after a day of chaos that saw armed gangs attack several jails and free scores of inmates.

The increased military presence in Cairo could be read as a signal to the Egyptian people that enough is enough.

Mohamed ElBaradei arrives at Tahrir Square to join the anti-government protesters

After six days of unrest some analysts have claimed Mr Mubarak is no longer in charge, despite clinging to his title.

The military combination of troops, tanks and the air force suggests that the president can not control the crowds without them.

Elsewhere, Egypt's defense minister Mohamed Tantawi was seen entering the state TV building near the city center.

TV images showed him meeting Mr Mubarak and military commanders in the presence of new vice-president Omar Suleiman.

The state news agency said they were reviewing security operations.

But a huge crowd remains in Tahrir Square, which has become a rallying point for their demonstrations.

"Hosni Mubarak, Omar Suleiman, you are agents of the Americans," protesters chanted.

Earlier on Saturday, Muslim militants and other prisoners were freed from at least four jails by armed gangs.

 

  The Abu Zaabal prison in Cairo after a mass breakout

Reports said 34 members of banned Islamist group, the Muslim Brotherhood,walked out of a prison near Cairo after guards left their posts amid the turmoil.

Another breakout at Abu Zaabal prison saw 14 people killed, with one witness telling reporters two of the dead were police officers and the rest convicts.

The angry demonstrations are directed at the regime of Mr Mubarak, which is seen by many as anti-democratic and corrupt.

With the political unrest ongoing, many countries - including Britain - have urged their citizens not to travel to Egypt unless absolutely necessary.

Foreign Office advice for British tourists was being updated daily and people are asked to check the website.

Foreign Secretary William Hague urged Mr Mubarak to "initiate a transformation" – whatever the personal consequences for him as leader.

He said British nationals in Cairo, Suez and Alexandria should catch a commercial flight home unless they have essential reasons for remaining.

As the turmoil engulfed other parts of Egypt, residents took on the roles of vigilantes to protect their homes and businesses from looters and criminal gangs.

With an almost non-existent police presence, an air of lawlessness has fallen upon the country.

Gangs and thieves have been raiding homes and stores, making off with TVs, bottles of alcohol and furniture from casinos.

Armed with clubs and sticks, residents have set up checkpoints and formed barricades to ward off those approaching their properties.

With the police presence diminished, armored personnel carriers and tanks belonging to the army have surrounded government buildings and archaeological sites in Cairo.

The military presence has been mostly welcomed by protesters - a stark contrast to the reception police received during the unrest.

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