Foreign mercenaries led Libya's 'popular uprising'?

Moammar Gadhafi

The so-called popular uprising in Libya was supported and partially carried out by foreign mercenaries, according to Egyptian security officials speaking to WND.

The Egyptian security officials said the mercenaries and Islamists from Egypt, Jordan and Persian Gulf states participated in the revolution in Egypt.

The security officials said Egyptian authorities recently arrested a number of mercenaries who returned to Egypt from fighting in Libya.

The claim may bolster critics who question the composure of the rebels' National Transitional Council, which has been recognized by the United States and most of the international community as the country's de facto government.

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At the start of the insurgency, rebel leader Abdel-Hakim al-Hasidi admitted in an interview with an Italian newspaper that some of his fighters were recruited from foreign countries, while others were on the front lines against coalition troops in Iraq and Afghanistan,

He insisted his fighters "are patriots and good Muslims, not terrorists," but added that the "members of al-Qaida are also good Muslims and are fighting against the invader."

On Thursday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pledged support for a "new Libya," urging triumphant rebels to turn the page on Moammar Gadhafi's rule and build a secure, democratic state.

She also called on the rebels to guard weapons stockpiles and take a hard line against "extremism," as the United Nations began releasing $1.5 billion in Libyan assets earmarked for U.N. programs, food and basic services.

"The situation remains fluid, but it is clear that the Gadhafi era is coming to an end, opening the way for a new era in Libya – one of liberty, justice and peace," Clinton said in a written statement.

"There can be no place in the new Libya for revenge attacks and reprisals. ... Libya's future will be peaceful only if the leaders and people of Libya reach out to each other in a spirit of peace."

She said the coming days and weeks would be "critical," as the rebels prepared to march on Gadhafi's heavily-guarded hometown of Sirte and pressed a manhunt for the ousted strongman and his family.