FIGHTING IN LIBYA

Evening Star, Issue 23862, 17 April 1941, Page 7

FIGHTING IN LIBYA

SUCCESSFUL BRITISH ACTION STEADY I PROGRESS IN ABYSSINIA LARGE NUMBER OF PRISONERS TAKEN Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April IC. (Received April 17, at 9.20 a.m.) It is authoritatively stated that the British successfully attacked the enemy in the rear of Fort Capuzzo, shelling and setting fire to vehicles. A Home communique states that fighting continues in the Solium area, and that British naval units are tenaciously supporting the defence of Tobruk. A Cairo communique states: “ Our troops are now in contact with the enemy along the whole of our front. In Libya, in tbe Tobruk area, tbe situation is unchanged. In the Solium sector vigorous action by our patrols again caused enemy losses in men and vehicles. Some prisoners were also taken. “ In spite of the extensive damage to the main Italian road in Abyssinia, our columns advancing from the north a.nd south towards Dessie are making steady progress. Further south our pursuit continues. In addition to General Santini, a brigade commander, 40 officers, 200 Italians, and 1,600 colonial troops have been captured within the last few days.” In Abyssinia, it is learned in London, our patrols attacked and routed the enemy at Safartak, 30 miles south-east of Debra Marcos, and have captured forts on the left hank of the Blue Nile in tins sector. In the Aclowa district mechanised troops encountered an enemy position in the Dabararh area.