CIA chief says it looks likely that Mubarak is out

WASHINGTON (AP) -- CIA Director Peon Panetta says U.S. intelligence indicates that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is on his way out.

Panetta tells Congress that his information indicates the U.S.-backed strongman could be out by Thursday night. He says there is a "high likelihood" of that.

Panetta did not say exactly how the CIA reached that conclusion. He says Mubarak's exit would be "significant" in moving Egypt to an "orderly transition" of power.

Egypt's military announced on national television that it has stepped in to "safeguard the country" and assured protesters that Mubarak will meet their demands.

That's the strongest indication yet that the longtime leader has lost power.

At the White House, spokesman Robert Gibbs said the situation was "fluid."