Libyan official: Army suspends operation in Misratah - voice of America

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THE Guantanamo files: Rebel Libyan layers of prisoner and US of ally of the species

Mr Qumu, 51, is today to oust an important figure in the Libyan rebels battle, Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi, reportedly one of the leaders of a ragtag band of fighters known as the Darnah Brigade for his birthplace, this shoddy port city of 100,000 people in the northeastern Libya. The former foe and prisoner of the United States is now an ally of the kind, a remarkable turnabout as a result of the shift of American policy, rather than any obvious change of Mr Qumu.

He was a tank driver in the 1980s Soviet troops take years, while the Central Intelligence Agency was religious militant billion expenditure in the Libyan army trying to support of Afghanistan. Mr Qumu moved to Afghanistan in the early 1990's, as well as Osama bin Laden and other former mujahideen were forcibly against their former benefactor, the United States apply.

He was in Pakistan after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the membership of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, Colonel Qadhafi accused that taken prisoner and after Guantanamo sent - partly on the basis of the information Government.

"The Libyan Government prisoner a ' dangerous man with no qualms about committing terrorist acts," "says that designated 2005 review, obviously, results obtained by the New York Times quote Libyan intelligence."?"He was known as one of the commanders of the Afghan Arabs, extremist'"the Libyan information on, to Arab fighters who remained in Afghanistan after the anti-Soviet Jihad."

If this evaluation of Guantanamo was written, was the United States service on terrorism works closely with Colonel Qadhafi intelligence. The United States now, is supplier of the international coalition a leading, try - to force Colonel Qadhafi and is with air makes the rebels, including Mr Qumu secure.

The classified Guantanamo review of Mr Qumu claims that he suffered under "non-specific personality disorder" and tells - again relying on the Libyan Government as a source - a history of drug addiction and drug trafficking, and charges of murder and armed assault.

1993 The document claims, Mr Qumu escape from a Libyan prison, fled to Egypt and went on to Afghanistan, to training in a camp run by Mr bin Laden. Mr Qumu denied in Guantanamo know terrorist activities. He said he feared prosecution for Libya, where he confronted and asked to go where "you (the United States) me, according to a hearing summary can look at" returned to another country.

However, 2007, he is released from Guantanamo after Libya and in the next year in an amnesty for militants.

Colonel Qadhafi has allegations about Mr. Qumu past in statements Al Qaeda blamed for the entire Libyan uprising quoted. Series found in the rebels nervously the presence of at least a few former members American officials.

The walls of buildings along the street in Darnah are with the usual anti-Gaddafi and pro-Western slogans, in English and Arabic, all found eastern Libya decorated. But there are extensions: "No. Qaeda" and "no to extremism."

Darnah has reason to be sensitive. The city has a long history of Islamic militancy, including a revolt against Colonel Qadhafi rule led by Islamists in the mid-1990s, which led a vicious crackdown. Activists from here are credited with beginning the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, which later announced, that it was with Al-Qaeda branch company, and fight the militant as Mr. Qumu in Afghanistan.

Darnah has although, notably, a claim to the world's most productive recruiting ground for suicide bombers. An analysis of the 600 suicide bombers in Iraq by combating terrorism Center at West point that that the 440, that their residence in a recruiting roster 52 of Darna, the best of each city, with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia waren40 time send as 1930–32 lists, as the next largest source of 51.

In addition to Mr Qumu, say local residents the Darnah Brigade of Abdul Hakim al-Hasadi, another Libyan thought to be in Afghanistan during the reign of the Taliban, a militant, was when Al Qaeda had training camps, is run.

Mr Qumu last week to enable Mr Hasadi, but has not for a promised interview, in crumpled fatigues with light beard and a lazy left eye, constantly half closed. He denied that Mr Qumu was in his group, recently the martyrs of Abu Salim Brigade, according to a prison in Tripoli, where 1,200 inmates were slaughtered in 1996 renamed. Mr Qumu sons said in his Brigade, he.

Mr Hasadi said "I white not convince such as everyone, that we here are not Al Qaeda,". "Our goal is to overthrow Qadhafi," he added. "I know that you never believe you me, but it's true."

At the moment seem Western observers in Benghazi, the temporary rebel capital 180 miles from here, content, to accept the assurances. "We are more concerned about Al Qaeda infiltration of outside as the indigenous,", said one. "Most of them have a local agenda so that they present not as much as a threat to the West."

Rod reported Nordland from Darnah, and Scott Shane from Washington. Kareem Fahim contributed reporting from Benghazi, Libya.

This article was revised and according to the following correction:

Correction: April 25, 2011

An earlier version of the image caption with this article identified Abdul Hakim al-Hasadi incorrectly as Abu Sufian Ibrahim Ahmed Hamuda am Qumu.

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Libyan army to pull out of Misratah - Xinhua

Libyan rebels are in Misurata, Libya, see 22 April 2011. Misratah is the only major city in western Libya still under control of the opposition forces. (Xinhua/Nasser Nouri)

(TRIPOLI, April 23, Xinhua)-Libya's Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim Friday said that the Libyan army draw held city Misratah and the local tribes would let from the rebels with the situation.

Kaim told reporters that the city and the local tribes from the Libyan army and people try to work out a solution to the problems either by force or negotiations.

"The situation in Misratah...""will be treated by the tribes around Misratah, and the Misratah population and not by the Libyan army," he said.

Misurata, Libya's third-largest city witness Fiece Gunfires between rebels and forces of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was about 210 km east of Tripoli, since early March.

Hours after the announcement of an adapt of strategies in Misratah of Gaddafi's forces, NATO bombs hit a parking lot in Central Tripoli on Saturday, an area close to Gaddafi's connection.

Libyan Government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim said on Saturday "very powerful" attack killed three people.

Eyewitnesses reported to fly jets across the city.

The Western coalition have their air strikes sworn, on until Gaddafi. But their military campaign, now in its second month, has so far not the balance tip.

While seems to move the war in Libya in the direction of stalemate, the international community has called for providing more aid to the rebels of the National Transitional Council (NTC) United States Senator John McCain.

McCain made the remarks Friday after his a-day visit in Benghazi, a rebel stronghold in the East since the start of the unrest.

The veteran U.S. politician, the Benghazi hailed as "Sources of hope", told reporters, that it will promote any nation, especially the United States which recognize NTC as the legitimate voice of the Libyan people. He called for more help for the opposition force to "create a condition on the ground" Gaddafi, to leave.

He said "Governments, the assets of the Gaddafi regime froze some of the money, the NTC should solve this can they maintain and improve their chip and capacity of governance".

McCain also NATO urged to adopt emergency steps in its air campaign on the protection of civilians in Misurata. He said, he supported Secretary of Defense Robert Gates decision, predator use armed drones in Misratah that Gaddafi's forces in civilian areas could be identified better hidden.

The rebels are not al Qaeda terrorists from Al-Qadhafi, McCain said, but he was concerned about the standoff which claimed "to infiltrate a door for the radical Islamists in the country can open".

The United States Senate asked NATO "sufficient and appropriate support" the rebels, including command and control, intelligence, training and weapons to help deliver.

International organizations and neighbouring countries thousands of stranded foreigners lead now humanitarian operations to ship and you injured of Misurata.

The rebels have promised to send any ground troops to Libya NATO. However, the NTC said on Wednesday that it would reject not military intervention on the ground in Misratah on humanitarian grounds.

Special report: Foreign military intervention in Libya

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Libyan rebels advance; US drones will provide

A border crossing in the town of Wazen after a battle in the early morning, sent flight reported a small number of Libyan soldiers across the border, the official Tunisian news agency took control of the rebels in the Western mountains. The news agency said 13 of Libyan soldiers, including Colonel and two commanders, were arrested when a rebel spokesman in the eastern city of Benghazi claims that more than 100 had sought asylum.

The fighting in the mountains has escalated in the last two weeks, UN aid workers say that more than 14,000 Libyan refugees - many of them fled on the same of the Berber minority, which is widely used in the area - border, with more than 6,000 per day crossing recently a spokesman for the UN Human Rights Commission said.

While it is not clear that the rebels Wazen withstand, control of the Western region is their success of the first great leap in Colonel Qadhafi, as he crushed the riots which erupted in Tripoli and many other cities and towns of Libya when the uprising broke out two months ago. It opened it import the possibility of the rebels, aid or weapons and offers the first sign of a break of the blockade, which has laid over the Libyan civil war in the last few weeks.

In a move that appears to stop, that deadlock be directed Pentagon said Thursday that President Obama of armed predator had granted powers, drones against Colonel Qadhafi partially bypassed the air strikes by mingling with civilians and the use of unmarked vehicles.

The American military has the predator, a remote piloted aircraft equipped with Hellfire missiles, used to objectives in urban and rural areas in Afghanistan, to meet Pakistan, Iraq and Yemen.

Announcing the deployment, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates described the addition of armed robbers as "a modest contribution" Mission of the NATO attack. But Mr Obama seemed too complicated approval their deployment another sign of the gaps in the ability of NATO, extended carry out combat missions without further and significant American support.

These gaps are significant become, because the United States on 4 April, command of the Libya mission NATO transferred when the American military again reinforced a supporting role. Despite this movement, American planes are significant numbers of bombs, more than you like other countries in the Alliance.

In Misurata, the rebel held port where rebels for weeks for such weapons have pleaded to beat back a siege by Qadhafi forces, said a spokesman for rebel Thursday, that the recent air raids and help shows rebel fighters who take offensive had enabled. The spokesman, Mohamed, whose full Name for the protection of his family was denied, the rebels on Wednesday, said more than 100, the Qadhafi on Thursday soldiers and 51 killed when they also recorded 40 others. "People are celebrating in Misurata,", he said, talking about an Internet connection, because the most telephone service and electricity in the city was cut off.

Among other advances, he who had driven the rebels of away sniper Central Tripoli Avenue had terrorized civilians along the city said.? "There is a pattern of collapse under the Qadhafi troops in and around Misurata," he said.

A spokesman for the military said in the rebel Eastern Benghazi, Colonel Ahmed Bani stronghold, rebel, anti-Qaddafi repeatedly had attacked the Western crossing near Wazen fighter in the past to on Thursday. "This is us a supply line for Tunisia," he said and added that the rebels in Wazen with the leadership in Benghazi were communication.

So far, air strikes against the Qadhafi have NATO forces the rebels continue to control a handful of Eastern cities, the Western commercial port of Misurata, Benghazi and some reports according to the Western mountain towns of Nalut and Zintan enabled. But the Qadhafi forces have maintained a strict control of the Libyan capital Tripoli, and held a violent siege to Misurata and cities held other rebels and rebel leaders have complained in recent weeks bitterly about the relative lack of NATO air strikes.

During the most attention to the most important port cities of Benghazi and Misurata concentrated, has the Western mountainous region stretches from Wazen of to nearby Nalut and Zintan with resistance to Qadhafi simmered. Berbers have long rubbed which has sought to deny their status as a culturally different minority under the Qadhafi Government.

After rebels control of Benghazi on 20 February took over, he was resident of Nalut and Zintan others of Tripoli, Misurata, Zawiyah, Zawarah, Sabratha and other cities in take on the road to the burning of police stations and the headquarters of Colonel Qadhafi local "revolutionary committees." In the following weeks, however, his security forces again a firm grip on Tripoli and gradually of West Florida from other cities, so that Zintan and Misurata as the Western main centres of resistance.

Faras Kaya, a spokesman for United Nations Human Rights Commission, said that that many escape to the camp described the escalating confrontation in the mountains around Zintan and Nalut in the last two weeks, since lashed back towards thrown Qadhafi forces artillery in the cities and the rebels. "The Western mountain region in the State of siege for a month or so," said Mr. Kaya. "What clearly is that they have fled due to the increasing violence".

About a quarter of a million refugees have Libya in Tunisia in the last two months, fled he said. At the other main crossing in the vicinity of Mediterranean, most of which were run, he said foreign workers, but the 14,000 who have fled through Wazen were Libyan families.

The deployment of predators following weeks if rebels of a lack of support from NATO have complained to the United States handed over direction of air operations of NATO. Was announcing the addition of weapons, Mr Gates suggested that the United States reduce a gap in the arsenals of other the other Alliance members, fill out, the similar attack not have drones.

"The President said, where we have some unique features, he is willing to use those," said Mr Gates at a press conference of Pentagon, suggesting that the predators would provide "some precision ability."

David D. Kirkpatrick reported from Cairo and Thom Shanker from Washington. Rod Nordland contributed reporting from Benghazi, Libya, and Mona El Naggar from Cairo.

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British aid is help in a shared power Libyan rebels,

The first question, which are the British face is "Whose army?"

For them, it will find that a ragtag rebel advice, that force even that who the top officer to agree amid squabbling between two generals who come with disgusting luggage.

The dysfunction was on full screen here this week. "I all, the rebels and the regular army control forces," one of the two, General Khalifa Hifter, said in an interview on Monday. "I am the field commander, and Chief of staff is General Abdul Fattah Younes." "His mission is to support us in the area, and my job is, do the fighting."

The rebel civilian leadership, transitional National Council, has, however, insisted that that General Younes remains responsible for the military. "This is not true," said an official claims close to the Council Tuesday as declared General Hifter. "General Younes is about him, that's for sure, and General Hifter is under it."

General Hifter made clear that he regarded in a support or logistical role which was general Younes as an officer, and he accused him explicitly for a string of humiliating retreat by rebels along the alternating front between Brega and Ajdabiya, most recently on Sunday, when seven rebels during a counter attack by government troops, close to a rout were killed.

"Everything that happens there was the result of the command of Abdul Fattah Younes," he said. "That is why I came back to take, and I will not a unit in the next couple days free of charge of any unit." "I am ready, the forces now run always."

From the outset, NATO has added disabled military efforts of disorganization of the rebels and lack of training, equipment and experience, who have left, not on the damage to benefit Colonel Qadhafi forces of NATO air strikes. The British mission is organization, communication and logistics to combat these shortcomings, improve the rebels.

The Colonel Qadhafi last week, forces to the air strikes, with camouflage and mix with civilians, have adapted it exactly what become sent more difficult for pilots, NATO, its objectives to meet without civilians killed - the UN them there to stop.

In the ensuing standoff, as shell held city of Misurata, forcing rebels killed hundreds of civilians the Gaddafi who suffers credibility to NATO, critics say, search it risks weak and ineffective - especially when compared with the blistering American-led attacks in the first weeks of the air campaign.

The Western powers were looking for the rebel fighters, break the logjam in the hope that they can be integrated into an effective fighting force. But the sustained disorganization and infighting within the rebel leadership is an obstacle; even countries to enter into the support for the rebels are cause for armament, at least in part from concerns about the confusion.

All of which raises doubts as to the possibility for Britain's consultants, an effective rebel military, if that create the leader can not stop, fight with each other.

The first specific report weapons from foreign donors reach the rebels the broadcast came on Tuesday, but clearly, 400 AK-47 rifles, went by one of the two generals claiming to be the leader of the rebels. Instead, they went directly to a civilian, Fawzi Bukatef, an oil engineer, that training has other civilians.

Mr Bukatef said he had just sent 400 fresh armed volunteers to the front with the new weapons had it from unnamed donors receive - widely believed Qatar that freely acknowledged his intention to send arms to the rebels. He knows both generals, he said, and feels through both in the lurch.

Mr Bukatef said "These guys are a problem for us on the front because we don't know who is responsible,". "they are to coordinate with each other, and I don't think that they even like."

On Tuesday, a compromise was suggested Bani, the official spokesman of the Libyan rebels by Colonel Ahmed type. "they are both at the same level, and both reply to Omar al-Hariri, the Minister of defence," he said. But, the little promise of resolving the situation.

General Hifter claimed that his new authority over the forces in the field from the Transitional National Council, and he said it was not true that the Council had hit him after a contentious end of March by military command centre and the top position on General Younes of abandonment that first Qadhafi former Interior Minister.

"It was only a desire on their part," he said.

A senior officer on his staff said that the civilian officials did not dare to remove General Hifter. "If they so much as to do that, people would kill them", he said.

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Libyan city is full of migrants desperate to exit

Hundreds of migrant workers stranded in Libya's war grouped forces Harbor Thursday evening outside the city under siege since February by Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi. Battle lines cross through some of its neighborhoods. The Loyalists artillery or rocket batteries fire their ammunition in residential areas. Electricity is mostly cut off.

"We are 56 days," Fahed Mohammed, 50, said an agricultural workers from Egypt. "As you can see, are we sit only in the street."

"We want only to Libya, to leave", said another man, Aman Abdul Latif.

The workers fear was palpable. Some ships have to Misurata's docks migrant workers security stopped ferry. But still wait thousands of workers, not sure, if the series.

Unconfirmed estimates claim that more than 1,000 people have been killed during the siege of Misurata. Medical officials said at least 23 were killed and many more injured early Thursday when landed a flurry of 80 or more missiles in addition to the port. Could be broken and smoldering shipping container seen in the evening. Smoke rose at locations in the city.

Misurata Hospital offers toll for the fighting testimony. Outside a scene captured the rebels underdog status: a battered black limousine in the parking lot, his fender lured shattered headlights and front passenger seat and door coated in blood. The only weapon was a sword, below the driver's seat.

Inside, doctors and nurses huddled around the bed of Arwa Baawa, 6, was shaped by one in their torso and neck. A nurse touched her ankle, feel her pulse. The girl survived, but the sounds of gunfire outside and the occasional explosion in the night, made it clear that the siege of Misurata, was stranded there to many to be more casualties, and sufficient grounds for migrant workers, still along the road to the port, want to leave.

The Ionian spirit, a passenger ship chartered by an international organization, entered Misurata on Thursday afternoon with the order the workers after a almost passage of Benghazi 19 hours, to save the rebel capital in East Libya.

His task is urgent, said Jeremy R. A. Haslam, head of the crisis response team on board. A painted cruise ship, which is usually the Greek, Italian and Albanian coasts, was the Ionian spirit of the International Organization for migration, which hopes to collect at least 800 of more than 6,500 migrant workers, which have been caught have in Misurata GechartertDrittgr??te city of Libya.

For several weeks, which, together, was two roads to the port, which camped several thousand migrant workers have Mr. Haslam said. They had little food, water or medical care. Many are dehydrated, exhausted and sick.

Where are the workers for the return was not immediately clear Ionian spirit to Benghazi would be selected. Lord Haslam, said he and a group of aid workers people around on the street and working with a local Committee to try to evacuate those who most need identify massed survey would.

"It's like a moral dilemma," said Mr. Haslam. "How prioritize we?"

A man said it had amounted to. A few Libyans have pretended passage on ships, sell and then kept the workers money and disappeared, their victims in the same line left long and uncertain. The Ionian spirit Meanwhile planned its more than 400 tons of cargo, including food and medicine and hygiene unloaded delivers.

She hoped workers soon after, and then reverse loading his journey back to Benghazi, from where, after a short rest, the workers after Egypt, the next step in their repatriation would be dangers.

Other vessels with similar missions were also converge on Misurata, including at least two ships, which came close to the port before the Ionian spirit on Thursday, but decided after consultation with the field pounding barrages, remain offshore. Only the Ionian mind on down.

The ship journey began late Wednesday evening in Benghazi, where workers had spent the day on cargo.

There were no signs of weapons or ammunition on board. Also the ship transport fighters. It had only a small group: the crew, several aid and medical staff, and a cluster of journalists.

The ship variable-length lines and slipped out on calm seas at 10:30 am, gathering speed as it passed the dike.

War can create objectives and inappropriate scenes. This was both: a painted cruise ship Steaming towards a siege with a small and hastily assembled crew.

During the night and following day, retired as the ship rose and fell to a gentle swell that espresso machine in the panorama bar worked overtime, until the gathered group dwindled as seasickness claims its toll and several passengers in cabins be too sick.

On Thursday afternoon as the ship closer to Misurata, it had reports of fresh fighting. Crew and passengers alike wondered if the captain by daylight, dock - would wait for darkness or a total turn back.

"We said these people need to" Mr. Haslam. "I will not turn."

At 4 am was hardly visible in the distance, the spread of the bearings and the cranes of the flat wide who desert sea. Smoke rose into the air from within its borders.

4: 30 Had the decision was taken. The ship steamed toward the small hole in the dike, where a rebels waited controlled tug.

"Qadhafi go!" shouted pilots.

Once the boat at the pier out bound was, a handful of visitors to the city, which was driven, that fighters the rebels knew at least the basis for the Organization of the defence. Many of the rebels have, however, dug not even fighting positions in East Libya.

The scenes were different here. Rebels had berms used in addition to their checkpoints stacking earth moving equipment. Many roads have been barricaded with heavy trucks and pile of Earth. And steep obstacles have been made to slow down approaching tanks and armored vehicles and leave them more vulnerable to fire.

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Battered rebels keep Libyan city

NEW: two opposition helicopters attack in AjdabiyaThe rebels seem turned away have a major setback ausgestatteteten African Union Committee plans meet opposition leader in Benghazi of this weekend former U.S. legislators Weldon Libya with a letter, but no meeting with nepotism leaves

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) - a battle wГ?teten in a strategically Libyan city Saturday as State television showed a fist pumps Moammar nepotism go to school, his first public appearance in days.

Rebels fought Ajdabiya hard in a war back and forth, the last stop before their stronghold, Benghazi, further to the East. Witnesses reported three hours to fight that she involved explosions by NATO planes caused languages.

As the Sun obscured the rebels a-Dur have averted setback appeared through the control on which it was hard-won city-but at best is thin. Outgunned, conceded they that they saw a huge enemy faced.

In a hospital, witnesses CNN said that three were identification cards from Syria, Algeria and Chad the nepotism of the fighters who were killed.

NATO said in the last 24 hours its aircraft destroyed loyalist ammunition stocks East of Tripoli, the troops attack Misratah and other cities were supply. It was called attacks for armored vehicles in the vicinity conducted by Misratah and Ajdabiya.

Spokesman of the opposition Shamsiddin Abdulmolah told CNN, that two attack helicopters from Tobruk to join rebels fighting in the Ajdabiya flew.

"There were some 50 regime pickup trucks with machine guns and rocket launchers, the Ajdabiya be tempted,", Abdulmolah said. "Several of the vehicles destroyed the helicopter and the rest moved."

Abdulmolah did not know what kind of helicopters of the rebel in Saturday's attack use forces and could not confirm whether rebels coordinated the operation with NATO.

African leaders were far from the battlefield in Mauritania Saturday in an attempt a mediating role in Libya's dead end to meet.

The African Union Special Committee on the Libyen--by Mauritania, Republic of the Congo, Mali, Uganda, and South-is then the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi after meeting with the opposition leaders Sunday and Monday, according to the South African Government travel.

The South African Government also said that the NATO Committee meeting with nepotism in the Libyan capital Tripoli permission to the has.

Nepotism was a big supporter of the African Union, and has channeled large sums of money his way. Libya has also a seat for the 15-Member peace and security. Optimism about the success of the mediation is not express as such opposition leader in Benghazi.

Said the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to Cairo Thursday head encounter Libya headquarters of the Arab League will travel. Catherine Ashton, the representative for Foreign Affairs and security for the European Union are among the participants.

In the meantime, the reopening of the key ports in the eastern cities of Tobruk and Benghazi, he said, the rebels can resume an oil trade condemns Libyan Foreign Minister Khaled Gaim on State television. He accused NATO of violations of the resolution of the Security Council of the United Nations, the protection of civilians mandate.

State television broadcast images of nepotism visit on Saturday, which is apparently to a primary school in Tripoli. The anchor said the school was a target of international air campaign and wanted to be attacked.

Former US legislator Curt Weldon visited Libya in this week the hope of talk links without a meeting directly with nepotism but. He had managed to secure a letter of the strongman US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"I'm disappointed that I do not get to face to face with Colonel cold set, as promised, but I can get something still bedeutsamere-- were a path to a solution to this conflict," Weldon said in a statement on his departure.

Weldon visited Libya in 2004, he was a Republican Congressman from Pennsylvania and said that this time he was invited by nepotism.

Peace efforts seemed far away Saturday in the Ajdabiya, where nepotism of forces with a flood of artillery fire at the Western Gates attacked. Street fighting broke out as the loyalist, supported by sympathizers who entered the city. At one point, opposition fighters appeared all but to have lost territory, which was hard-fought.

Rebels within 40 km (25 miles) in the Gulf of Syrte-came at the height of their March towards Tripoli-nepotism's hometown in western Libya. But the rebels have pushed steadily back and are now ready, lead capital the opposition on the motorway to Benghazi, loyalist troops.

Burnt bodies of Libyan army tanks taken out by Coalition aircraft before three weeks litter the street. But it is increasingly difficult to distinguish Pro nepotism troops. You have tactics have changed and made to move in civilian vehicles.

"The troops of nepotism have good weapons and training and leadership and experience," said a rebel fighter.CNN's NIC Robertson on this report, Ben Wedeman and Reza Sayah contributed

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North Africa NATO airstrike meets Libyan military near the town of Brega - voice of America

VOA News April 05, 2011 Libyan rebels inspect two Libya, 5 targeted the Pro nepotism forces that claim were rebels destroyed military vehicles by a NATO strike along the front near the town of Brega, April 2011

An air strike against a convoy Libyan military vehicles heading towards rebel lines in the vicinity of the Eastern oil city of Brega conducted by NATO.

Reports from the area say Tuesday's attack destroyed two of the vehicles, but it is unclear whether all Libyan soldiers came.

Opposition fighters have been collected on the eastern edge of Brega early Tuesday.? Rival forces have been in a stalemate in the city for days. On Monday, anti-nepotism occupied oil fighters of a largely residential area of Brega during loyalist troops near the city's infrastructure and other strategic points defending.

Control of Brega's refineries and port was required the rebels with the economic boost their fight against Colonel cold forces provide.

The rebels are expected to soon their first oil delivery load in the Eastern oil port of Marsa el Hariga, near the town of Tobruk.

Satellite vessel tracking shows that a tanker location Tuesday should get a million barrels of oil, the port of destination.? News reports say: the show is probably headed to Qatar.? Qatar, France and Italy together have official recognition of the Libyan rebel administration, transitional National Council granted.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, are still under way. Libya's acting Foreign Minister Abdul ATI al Obeidi talks with Turkish top officials on mediation one cease-fire with opposition forces.? Turkey said it host the Council representative rebel expected in the next few days.

Libyan Government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim said, Libya is open to political electoral or constitutional changes, but only as long as nepotism leads the transition forward.

The New York Times reported earlier that at least two of the Libyan leader makes proposed nepotism for a transition sons to constitutional democracy under the leadership of his son Seif al-Islam nepotism make have.?? Rebel leaders have dismissed this idea.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

05-04-2011 ERIK THE VIKING (ENGLAND)

I hope that today's reports of air strikes by the Coalition for the Gaddaffi army outside Brega are met. It is time to bring in a little shock & AWE to show support for the rebels and this evil guy now out!

05-04-2011 SARATH (Sri Lanka)

I ask God, civilians specifically to protect young people Womenchildren, which are easily vulnerable to war however, Gaddafi regime his henchmen close associates and his power greedy sons Shouhd be soon off driven or punished for MISSBRAUCHEN POWER resources and certain T?TUNGEN

05-04-2011 Kishor Patel / IOMG (Canada)

This is easy! Why can the world not gandhianischen way to solve this problem? If possible, is the world of a family.

05-04-2011 RAY (USA)

AMERICA MUST FROM OTHER COUNTRIES BUSINESS TO KEEP THEY MAY NOT EVEN RUN THERE OWN COUNTRY?

* Required, using this form you explained the following: check all comments before posting. Keep in mind you not all submissions will be posted. VOA has the right, VOA produces your comments in all media worldwide use. Terms & conditions

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Libyan rebels say airstrike of 13 of their own-Seattle Post Intelligencer killed

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Libyan rebels say airstrike killed 13 of their own BEN HUBBARD, Associated Press, RYAN LUCAS, Associated Press Updated 05:08?p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2011

View: Larger | Hide Graphic shows U.S. opinion of President Obama and Libya. AP-Gfk poll conducted in days leading up to the president's speech.Photo: W. Castello/ APGraphic shows U.S. opinion of President Obama and Libya. AP-Gfk... In this photo released by China's Xinhua news agency, heavy smoke rises over the Tajoura area, some 30 km east of Tripoli, Libya, after an airstrike on Tuesday March 29, 2011. (Xinhua/Hamza Turkia)Photo: AP/ APIn this photo released by China's Xinhua news agency, heavy smoke... In this photo released by China's Xinhua news agency, heavy smoke rises over the Tajoura area, some 30 km east of Tripoli, Libya, after an airstrike on Tuesday March 29, 2011. (Xinhua/Hamza Turkia)Photo: AP/ APIn this photo released by China's Xinhua news agency, heavy smoke... In this photo released by China's Xinhua news agency, heavy smoke rises over the Tajoura area, some 30 km east of Tripoli, Libya, after an airstrike on Tuesday March 29, 2011. (Xinhua/Hamza Turkia)Photo: AP/ APIn this photo released by China's Xinhua news agency, heavy smoke... A Libyan rebel checks a rocket launcher mounted on top of a pickup truck after retreating back east, at the outskirts of the town of al-Agila, Libya Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APA Libyan rebel checks a rocket launcher mounted on top of a pickup... A Libyan rebel carries machine gun as fighters gather on the main road after retreating back east, at the outskirts of the town of al-Agila, Libya Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APA Libyan rebel carries machine gun as fighters gather on the main... Libyan rebels gather on the main road while retreating back east, at the outskirts of the town of al-Agila, Libya Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APLibyan rebels gather on the main road while retreating back east,... A Libyan rebel arms ammunitions after retreating back east at the outskirts of the town of al-Agila, Libya Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APA Libyan rebel arms ammunitions after retreating back east at the... Libyan rebels ride in a convoy leaving Ras Lanouf, Libya, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.Photo: STR/ APLibyan rebels ride in a convoy leaving Ras Lanouf, Libya,... Libyan rebels in a car and a truck leave Ras Lanouf, Libya, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.Photo: STR/ APLibyan rebels in a car and a truck leave Ras Lanouf, Libya,... Libyan rebels in a car and a truck with a mounted weapons system leave Ras Lanouf, Libya, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli. The writing on the truck, in Arabic, reads: " Misrata is still free."Photo: STR/ APLibyan rebels in a car and a truck with a mounted weapons system... Libyan rebels ride at the back of anarmed pickup truck while retreating back east, at the outskirts of the town of al-Agila, Libya Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APLibyan rebels ride at the back of anarmed pickup truck while... Libyan rebels armed vehicles retreating back east, drive through the outskirts of the town of al-Agila, Libya toward Brega Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APLibyan rebels armed vehicles retreating back east, drive through... Libyan rebels are seen through a pre-Gadhafi flag while gathering on the main road after retreating back east, at the outskirts of the town of al-Agila, Libya Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APLibyan rebels are seen through a pre-Gadhafi flag while gathering... Libyan rebels armed vehicles retreating back east, drive through the outskirts of the town of al-Agila, Libya Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and were close to taking a second, making new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APLibyan rebels armed vehicles retreating back east, drive through... File - Libya's Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa speaks to the media at a hotel in Tripoli, Libya in this Monday, March 7, 2011 file photo. Libya's foreign minister has left Tunisia for London after a two-day visit shrouded in secrecy, Tunisia's official news agency said Wednesday, March 30 2011. Moussa Koussa traveled on an early afternoon flight on an unidentified Swiss carrier from the Tunisian resort of Djerba toward the British capital, the TAP news agency reported.Photo: Ben Curtis/ APFile - Libya's Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa speaks to the media... A Libyan child walks with a Libyan pre-Gadhafi flag during an evening demonstration in Benghazi, Libya, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Rebels retreated Wednesday from the key Libyan oil port of Ras Lanouf along the coastal road leading to the capital Tripoli after they came under heavy shelling from ground forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APA Libyan child walks with a Libyan pre-Gadhafi flag during an... Libyan boys flash victory signs as they wave Libyan pre-Gadhafi flags while riding a pickup truck in Benghazi, Libya, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Rebels retreated Wednesday from the key Libyan oil port of Ras Lanouf along the coastal road leading to the capital Tripoli after they came under heavy shelling from ground forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi. In a dramatic move Libya's Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa arrived in the UK late Wednesday and is resigning from his post, according to Britain's Foreign Office.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APLibyan boys flash victory signs as they wave Libyan pre-Gadhafi... An armed Libyan rebel and other people shout slogans during a demonstration in Benghazi, Libya, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Rebels retreated Wednesday from the key Libyan oil port of Ras Lanouf along the coastal road leading to the capital Tripoli after they came under heavy shelling from ground forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APAn armed Libyan rebel and other people shout slogans during a... File - Libya's Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa reads a statement to foreign journalists at a hotel in in Tripoli, in this Friday March 18, 2011 file photo. Libya's foreign minister has left Tunisia for London after a two-day visit shrouded in secrecy, Tunisia's official news agency said Wednesday, March 30 2011. Moussa Koussa traveled on an early afternoon flight on an unidentified Swiss carrier from the Tunisian resort of Djerba toward the British capital, the TAP news agency reported.Photo: Jerome Delay/ APFile - Libya's Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa reads a statement to... File - Libya's Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa speaks to the media at a hotel in Tripoli, Libya in this Monday, March 7, 2011 file photo. Libya's foreign minister has left Tunisia for London after a two-day visit shrouded in secrecy, Tunisia's official news agency said Wednesday, March 30 2011. Moussa Koussa traveled on an early afternoon flight on an unidentified Swiss carrier from the Tunisian resort of Djerba toward the British capital, the TAP news agency reported.Photo: Ben Curtis/ APFile - Libya's Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa speaks to the media... Map includes sites of recent eventsPhoto: AP/ APMap includes sites of recent events Map provides an update of recent events in LibyaPhoto: AP/ APMap provides an update of recent events in Libya Libyan rebels fire rockets at troops loyal to Libyan leaderMoammar Gadhafi on the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya, Thursday, March 31, 2011. An important Libyan oil town became a no man's land Thursday as rebels to the east traded rocket and mortar fire with Gadhafi's forces to the west.Photo: STR/ APLibyan rebels fire rockets at troops loyal to Libyan leaderMoammar... A Libyan rebel plugs his ears as rebels fire a rocket at troops loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi on the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya, Thursday, March 31, 2011. An important Libyan oil town became a no man's land Thursday as rebels to the east traded rocket and mortar fire with Gadhafi's forces to the west.Photo: STR/ APA Libyan rebel plugs his ears as rebels fire a rocket at troops... Libyan rebels pray in the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya, Thursday, March 31, 2011. An important Libyan oil town became a no man's land Thursday as rebels to the east traded rocket and mortar fire with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's forces to the west.Photo: AP/ APLibyan rebels pray in the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya,... Smoke from explosions billows on the road between Ajdabiya and Brega, Libya, as rebels clashed with troops loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, Thursday, March 31, 2011. An important Libyan oil town became a no man's land Thursday as rebels to the east traded rocket and mortar fire with Gadhafi's forces to the west.Photo: STR/ APSmoke from explosions billows on the road between Ajdabiya and... The headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service or MI6, is seen on the bank of the River Thames in London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn't offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it seeks to further undermine Moammar Gadhafi's regime. British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the resignation of Moussa Koussa, one of the most senior members of Gadhafi's government, shows the Libyan leader's regime is "fragmented, under pressure and crumbling."Photo: Alastair Grant/ APThe headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service or MI6,... The headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service or MI6, is seen on the bank of the River Thames in London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn't offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it seeks to further undermine Moammar Gadhafi's regime. British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the resignation of Moussa Koussa, one of the most senior members of Gadhafi's government, shows the Libyan leader's regime is "fragmented, under pressure and crumbling."Photo: Alastair Grant/ APThe headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service or MI6,... A view of the main entrance sign for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is seen in central London, Thursday, March, 31, 2011. Britain isn't offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it seeks to further undermine Moammar Gadhafi's regime. British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the resignation of Moussa Koussa, one of the most senior members of Gadhafi's government, shows the Libyan leader's regime is "fragmented, under pressure and crumbling."Photo: Alastair Grant/ APA view of the main entrance sign for the British Foreign and... Libyan rebels fire rocket launchers toward pro Gadhafi forces, along the front line outside the eastern town of Brega, Libya Thursday, March 31, 2011. Libya conceded Thursday that Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa had resigned but claimed that it was a personal decision driven by health problems, not a sign that the embattled regime is cracking at the highest levels.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APLibyan rebels fire rocket launchers toward pro Gadhafi forces,... A Libyan rebel shells pro Gadhafi forces with mortar fire, along the front line outside the eastern town of Brega, Libya Thursday, March 31, 2011. Libya conceded Thursday that Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa had resigned but claimed that it was a personal decision driven by health problems, not a sign that the embattled regime is cracking at the highest levels.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APA Libyan rebel shells pro Gadhafi forces with mortar fire, along... Libyan rebels inspect a vehicle that was damaged during clashes with pro Gadhafi forces, along the front line outside the eastern town of Brega, Libya Thursday, March 31, 2011. Libya conceded Thursday that Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa had resigned but claimed that it was a personal decision driven by health problems, not a sign that the embattled regime is cracking at the highest levels.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APLibyan rebels inspect a vehicle that was damaged during clashes... Libyan rebels inspect a vehicle that was damaged during clashes with pro Gadhafi forces, along the front line outside the eastern town of Brega, Libya Thursday, March 31, 2011. Libya conceded Thursday that Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa had resigned but claimed that it was a personal decision driven by health problems, not a sign that the embattled regime is cracking at the highest levels.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APLibyan rebels inspect a vehicle that was damaged during clashes... A boy playing in a boat parked on land reaches up to try and touch a string of flags, both of which are in the colors of the pre-Gadhafi era Libyan flag now used by the opposition, on the corniche in Benghazi, Libya Friday, April 1, 2011. Libya's rebels will agree to a cease-fire if Moammar Gadhafi pulls his military forces out of cities and allows peaceful protests against his regime, an opposition leader said Friday.Photo: Ben Curtis/ APA boy playing in a boat parked on land reaches up to try and touch... A Libyan rebel fighter sits near to the western gate of Ajdabiya, Libya, Friday, April 1, 2011, as limited movement is being permitted across the frontier. The western gate is closed Friday for journalists and civilians trying to reach the front line.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APA Libyan rebel fighter sits near to the western gate of Ajdabiya,... Libyan rebels rest next to an anti aircraft gun that is positioned by the western gate of Ajdabiya, Libya, on Friday, April 1, 2011.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APLibyan rebels rest next to an anti aircraft gun that is positioned... A Libyan rebel passes through the western gate of Ajdabiya, Libya on Friday, April 1, 2011. The western gate is closed for journalists and civilians trying to reach the front line of the conflict in Libya.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APA Libyan rebel passes through the western gate of Ajdabiya, Libya... An Libyan rebel carrying a machine gun waits to be allowed to cross the closed western gate of Ajdabiya, Libya as journalists and civilians try to reach the front line on Friday, April 1, 2011.Photo: Nasser Nasser/ APAn Libyan rebel carrying a machine gun waits to be allowed to cross... U.N. envoy Abdelilah Al-Khatib, left, and Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, right, head of the opposition's interim governing council based in Benghazi, attend a joint press conference in Benghazi, Libya Friday, April 1, 2011. Libya's rebels will agree to a cease-fire if Moammar Gadhafi pulls his military forces out of cities and allows peaceful protests against his regime, the opposition leader said Friday.Photo: Ben Curtis/ APU.N. envoy Abdelilah Al-Khatib, left, and Mustafa Abdul-Jalil,... A man cheers as speakers address the crowd after Friday prayers on the corniche in Benghazi, Libya Friday, April 1, 2011. Libya's rebels will agree to a cease-fire if Moammar Gadhafi pulls his military forces out of cities and allows peaceful protests against his regime, opposition leader Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, said Friday.Photo: Ben Curtis/ APA man cheers as speakers address the crowd after Friday prayers on... Libyans shout slogans as they wave Libyan pre-Gadhafi flags during a demonstration in Benghazi, Libya, Thursday, March 31, 2011Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APLibyans shout slogans as they wave Libyan pre-Gadhafi flags during... A Libyan rebel with a dual Libyan and U.S. nationality, living in Colorado, scans the front line with his binoculars near Brega, Libya, Friday, April 1, 2011. Libya's rebels will agree to a cease-fire if Moammar Gadhafi pulls his military forces out of cities and allows peaceful protests against his regime, an opposition leader said Friday as rebels showed signs that their front-line organization is improving.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APA Libyan rebel with a dual Libyan and U.S. nationality, living in... A Libyan rebel holds a rocket launcher on his shoulder as he looks towards the position of pro Gadhafi forces along the front line near Brega, Libya, Friday, April 1, 2011Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APA Libyan rebel holds a rocket launcher on his shoulder as he looks... the body of a Libyan rebel lies on a ground as others run for cover after coming under heavy artillery fire from pro-Gadhafi forces along the front line near Brega, Libya, Friday, April 1, 2011. Libya's rebels will agree to a cease-fire if Moammar Gadhafi pulls his military forces out of cities and allows peaceful protests against his regime, an opposition leader said Friday as rebels showed signs that their front-line organization is improving.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APthe body of a Libyan rebel lies on a ground as others run for cover... Libyan rebels run for cover after coming under heavy artillery fire from pro-Gadhafi forces along the front line near Brega, Libya, Friday, April 1, 2011. Libya's rebels will agree to a cease-fire if Moammar Gadhafi pulls his military forces out of cities and allows peaceful protests against his regime, an opposition leader said Friday as rebels showed signs that their front-line organization is improving.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APLibyan rebels run for cover after coming under heavy artillery fire... the body of a Libyan rebel, killed in an attack, is loaded onto a pickup truck at the front line near Brega, Libya, Friday, April 1, 2011. Libya's rebels will agree to a cease-fire if Moammar Gadhafi pulls his military forces out of cities and allows peaceful protests against his regime, an opposition leader said Friday as rebels showed signs that their front-line organization is improving.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APthe body of a Libyan rebel, killed in an attack, is loaded onto a... Libyan rebels run for cover after coming under heavy artillery fire from pro-Gadhafi forces along the front line near Brega, Libya, Friday, April 1, 2011. Libya's rebels will agree to a cease-fire if Moammar Gadhafi pulls his military forces out of cities and allows peaceful protests against his regime, an opposition leader said Friday as rebels showed signs that their front-line organization is improving.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APLibyan rebels run for cover after coming under heavy artillery fire... Libyan rebels shout slogans as they hear about air strikes at front line near Brega, Libya, Friday, April 1, 2011. Libya's rebels will agree to a cease-fire if Moammar Gadhafi pulls his military forces out of cities and allows peaceful protests against his regime, an opposition leader said Friday as rebels showed signs that their front-line organization is improving.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APLibyan rebels shout slogans as they hear about air strikes at front... Libyan rebels pray near the a graves of their fellow rebels who were allegedly killed in NATO coalition airstrike overnight at the frontline, near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011. NATO said on Saturday that it was investigating Libyan rebel reports that a coalition warplane had struck a rebel position that was firing into the air near the eastern front line of the battle with Gadhafi's forces.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APLibyan rebels pray near the a graves of their fellow rebels who... A Libyan rebel shouts religious slogans before heading towards the frontline, near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011. NATO said on Saturday that it was investigating Libyan rebel reports that a coalition warplane had struck a rebel position that was firing into the air near the eastern front line of the battle with Gadhafi's forces.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APA Libyan rebel shouts religious slogans before heading towards the... A Libyan rebel stands guard on the middle of the road at the front line near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011. NATO said on Saturday that it was investigating Libyan rebel reports that a coalition warplane had struck a rebel position that was firing into the air near the eastern front line of the battle with Gadhafi's forces.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APA Libyan rebel stands guard on the middle of the road at the front... A Libyan family is crowded into a car and they flash V-victory signs as they pass rebel fighters, as they cross the front line, fleeing from the nearby city of Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APA Libyan family is crowded into a car and they flash V-victory... A Libyan rebel uses the rounds of an AK-47 rifle as a belt at the frontline, near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011. NATO said on Saturday that it was investigating Libyan rebel reports that a coalition warplane had struck a rebel position that was firing into the air near the eastern front line of the battle with Gadhafi's forces.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APA Libyan rebel uses the rounds of an AK-47 rifle as a belt at the... A Libyan rebel prays on the roadside before heading towards the frontline, near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011. NATO said on Saturday that it was investigating Libyan rebel reports that a coalition warplane had struck a rebel position that was firing into the air near the eastern front line of the battle with Gadhafi's forces.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APA Libyan rebel prays on the roadside before heading towards the... Libyan rebels clean machine gun ammunition with petrol before heading for the front line near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011. NATO said on Saturday that it was investigating Libyan rebel reports that a coalition warplane had struck a rebel position that was firing into the air near the eastern front line of the battle with Gadhafi's forces.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APLibyan rebels clean machine gun ammunition with petrol before... A Libyan rebel buries the charred remains of his fellow rebels who were allegedly killed in NATO coalition airstrike overnight the front line near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011. NATO said on Saturday that it was investigating Libyan rebel reports that a coalition warplane had struck a rebel position that was firing into the air near the eastern front line of the battle with Gadhafi's forces.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APA Libyan rebel buries the charred remains of his fellow rebels who... A Libyan rebel collects the charred remains of rebels who were allegedly killed in NATO coalition airstrike overnight, as others inspect the damaged vehicle along the front line near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011. NATO said on Saturday that it was investigating Libyan rebel reports that a coalition warplane had struck a rebel position that was firing into the air near the eastern front line of the battle with Gadhafi's forces.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APA Libyan rebel collects the charred remains of rebels who were... Libyan rebels clean machine gun ammunition with petrol before heading for the frontline, near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011. NATO said on Saturday that it was investigating Libyan rebel reports that a coalition warplane had struck a rebel position that was firing into the air near the eastern front line of the battle with Gadhafi's forces.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APLibyan rebels clean machine gun ammunition with petrol before... Libyan rebels run for cover after coming under the attack of pro Gadhafi forces along the frontline near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011. NATO said on Saturday that it was investigating Libyan rebel reports that a coalition warplane had struck a rebel position that was firing into the air near the eastern front line of the battle with Gadhafi's forces.Photo: Altaf Qadri/ APLibyan rebels run for cover after coming under the attack of pro...

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Font Page 1 of 1 BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) — A NATO airstrike intended to thwart Moammar Gadhafi's forces killed 13 rebel fighters in eastern Libya instead, the opposition said Saturday, but they described it as an "unfortunate accident" and stressed it did not diminish their support for the international air campaign.

The rebels' response to the attack — blaming it on a mistake within their ranks — highlighted their heavy dependence on the international air campaign as they face the superior military power of the longtime Libyan leader. The misfire also showed the challenges the coalition faces in identifying targets without coordination with forces on the ground.

"As regrettable as it may be, we understand that we might have to give up lives for the greater good. We have to look at the bigger picture," opposition spokesman Mustafa Gheriani said. "This is a war and the lines are so fluid going back and forth, so it's natural that mistakes will happen."

The slain fighters were hit Friday night as they moved forward, attempting to take back the oil city of Brega, while airstrikes were in progress. Seven fighters were injured. Another opposition spokesman, Abdel-Hafidh Ghoga, said it was an example of the lack of coordination in the ranks that has proven a key obstacle to victory over the more organized Libyan military.

Rebels without training — sometimes even without weapons — have rushed in and out of fighting in a free-for-all for more than six weeks, repeatedly getting trounced by Gadhafi's more heavily armed forces. But ex-military officers who have joined the rebel side have stepped up training efforts and taken a greater role in the fight.

"This unfortunate accident was a mistake that was caused by the rebels' advance during the coalition's attack," Ghoga said. "Now the military leadership that has been organized more effectively recently is working on preventing the recurrence of these accidents."

Rebels in the field had previously said some of their comrades were killed by an airstrike Friday but Ghoga's comments provided the first confirmation.

Two men who survived the strike said it happened at about 8 p.m. Friday after somebody fired heavy weaponry into the air as a rebel convoy made its way from Ajdabiya toward Brega.

"We were just driving along and then everything was on fire," said 19-year-old Ibrahim al-Shahaibi. "It's fate. They must have thought we were Gadhafi's brigades when they hit us. We need to get rid of him."

Al-Shahaibi was covered up to his chest in a fuzzy brown blanket in the intensive care unit at Benghazi's Jalaa hospital. His right leg was amputated below the knee and his face had severe burns.

Ali Abdullah Zio, 28, an economics student at Qar Younis University in Benghazi, also was lying in a hospital bed, with a swollen face and his head and hands wrapped in white bandages. He was unable to open his eyes.

He said there were four cars and an ambulance in the convoy and everybody was shocked when one of the men fired into the air.

"We all turned to him and said "why the hell did you do that?' He said it was a mistake, then pulled out of the convoy and drove back to Ajdabiya. Moments later there was an airstrike.

Zio said he wasn't angry, and he planned to return to the front as soon as possible.

"It's the coalition that protects us," he said.

NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said the alliance was investigating the reports, and appeared to suggest that its aircraft on patrol had encountered ground fire and retaliated.

"The exact details are hard to verify because we have no reliable source on the ground," Lungescu said. "Clearly, if someone fires at one of our aircraft they have the right to defend themselves."

Mohammad Bedrise, a doctor in a nearby hospital, said three burned bodies had been brought in by men who said they had been hit after firing a heavy machine gun in the air in celebration. Idris Kadiki, a 38-year-old mechanical engineer, said he had seen an ambulance and three cars burning after an airstrike.

Rebels told The Associated Press that the fighters were hit about 12 miles (20 kilometers) east of Brega, which has gone back and forth between rebel and government hands in recent weeks.

NATO, which on Thursday took over what had been a U.S.-led military campaign to stop Gadhafi from attacking his own people, also is investigating whether other airstrikes have killed civilians in western Libya, as the Libyan government claims. The United States, meanwhile, was ending its role in combat missions Saturday, leaving that work for other nations.

Rebels control much of eastern Libya, but in the west the only significant city they hold is Misrata, which has been besieged for weeks by Gadhafi forces who have cut off water, power and food supplies.

Medical officials said Saturday that government forces killed 37 civilians over the past two days in an unrelenting campaign of shelling and sniper fire and an attack that burned down the city's main stocks of flour and sugar.

Over the past month and a half, 243 people have been killed and some 1,000 wounded, according to the medical officials, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

The hospital official in Misrata said Gadhafi forces were trying to pummel the port, hoping to cut off the city's last line to the outside world. He said tanks positioned on the city's east fired shells toward the area. Other Gadhafi troops disguised in civilian cars sped to the area, firing mortars and then fleeing, he said.

Gadhafi's forces have shelled the city's outskirts and residents are piling into the heart of Misrata, crowding into the homes of relations and even unfinished buildings, the hospital official said. The reports could not be independently confirmed.

Ukraine said it would dispatch a military ship to Tripoli, the Libyan capital, to collect up to 600 Ukrainians, Americans, Britons, Russians, Belorussians and other foreigners, Ukrainian spokesman Aleksandr Dikusarov said. He said Libyan authorities had guaranteed the safety of the evacuation.

___

Lucas reported from Ajdabiya. Associated Press writers Diaa Hadid and Maggie Michael in Cairo and Slobodan Lekic in Brussels contributed to this report.

Printable Version Email This Share0 Libyan rebels say airstrike killed 13 of their own BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) — A NATO airstrike intended to thwart Moammar Gadhafi's forces killed 13 rebel fighters in eastern Libya instead, the opposition said Saturday, but they described it as an "unfortunate accident" and stressed it did not diminish their support for the international air... FOLLOW US: U.S./World Photos

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