AFRICAN FRONTS

Evening Star, Issue 23817, 22 February 1941, Page 11

AFRICAN FRONTS

ENEMY RAIDS ON BENGHAZI R.A.F. SUPPORTS TROOPS IN EAST SATISFACTORY OPERATIONS OH THE JUBA (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright RUG MY, February 21. (Received February 22, at 1 p.m.) An R.A.F. Middle Fast communique states: In Italian Fast Africa continued support is being given to the British troops on the various fronts. At Massawa a number of enemy aircraft nore damaged on the ground and a large petrol dump was set on fire. Enemy aircraft raided Benghazi yesterday. There were no casualties and only very slight damage was done. One enemy aircraft was shot down in flames by A.A. fire, all the crew being killed. One British fighter aircraft is missing, but the pilot is safe. A Cairo communique states that 107 medium Italian tanks were captured or destroyed in the battle south of Benghazi recently. A check over other war materials taken over in this extensive battle area is continuing. On the Eritrean front between January 20 and February 20 wo captured 47 Italian officers, including a brigade commander, 693 other ranks, and 5,576 colonial troops. In addition many prisoners were taken in the areas of the Blue Nile, the Upper Nile and the Gojjam. In Italian Somaliland onr troops again successfully crossed the River Juba north of the original crossing. Operations from both bridgeheads are developing satisfactorily. ITALIAN ROAD USED. The reported fall of Enjabara, in Abyssinia, is regarded as of more vital importance than the capture of Dangila, as it compels the Italians to use a roundabout route for supplies over unmade roads or to ferry them across Lake Tsana. The British have now at their disposal the magnificient motor road the Italians built during the past four years for moving mechanised units and supplies to the escarpments. Furtlksrmoro, the R.A.F. now has a fine air base only 1,600 miles from the capital, Addis Ababa. Three thousand Fascists fleeing to Bnrye were exposed to unceasing sniping by patriots, who are also blocking the roads with trees.