THE British army came under fire from human rights activists today who are accusing it of cosying up to dictators in Egypt and Oman.

Hundreds of troops are currently deployed to both countries on military exercises despite evidence that their leaders have tortured and even executed opponents.

More than 300 personnel, some armed with tanks and helicopters, are now in Oman to take part in Exercise Khanjar, which runs from March 5-19 out of a new British base in the south of the country.