Egyptian president retires top generals
- 12 years ago
Egypt's newly elected president has ordered changes to the military's top brass.
In a surprise move, President Mohamed Mursi dismissed Cairo's two top generals. He also cancelled a military order curbing his powers.
Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi and military chief of staff Sami Enan have now been replaced.
While the decision met a mixed response, Mursi defended his actions.
He insisted the decision was not meant to "target certain individuals" or "embarrass institutions".
The move was for the benefit of the nation, he said.
In Tahrir square thousands of supporters gathered to back the decision.
Critics said the generals had cast a shadow over Egypt's new democracy.
In a surprise move, President Mohamed Mursi dismissed Cairo's two top generals. He also cancelled a military order curbing his powers.
Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi and military chief of staff Sami Enan have now been replaced.
While the decision met a mixed response, Mursi defended his actions.
He insisted the decision was not meant to "target certain individuals" or "embarrass institutions".
The move was for the benefit of the nation, he said.
In Tahrir square thousands of supporters gathered to back the decision.
Critics said the generals had cast a shadow over Egypt's new democracy.