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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Libya rebels reject peace plan - times of India

BENGHAZI: Libyan leader Mustafa Abdul Jalil on Monday rejected an African Union initiative for a truce with the forces of Muammar Gaddafi and called for the overthrow of veteran strongman. "These (African Union) initiative has now surpassed was." From the first day is the demand of our people the fall of Gaddafi and the fall of his regime was "Abdul Jalil said at a press conference in Benghazi rebel held."

"Gaddafi and his sons must leave immediately, if they want to be sure..." "Any initiative, which calls the pages, that do not include popular demand, substantial demand is, can we not see may." Abdul Jalil any kind of mediation which would allow denied, remain Gaddafi and lashed to the strongman. "We can negotiate not with the blood of our Matryrs." We will die with them or become victorious and with God's will we will be victorious, ", said the rebel leader."

Jalili's comments came after talks with a delegation of African heads of State in Benghazi on Monday, a day after Gaddafi the peace plan accepted. South African President Jacob Zuma, said Tripoli of the African Union had accepted plan for a ceasefire, would the NATO bombs to stop campaign.

About 200 people, waving rebel flags gathered outside Benghazi airport when the AU delegation arrived, their efforts but demanding Gaddafi's welcome fall.

Correspondent saw in Ajdabiya more than a dozen burnt-out pick-up trucks which the Pro-Gaddafi East held fighters with heavy machine guns for their abortive offensive on the front line between the rebels and West Government had installed held.

Many of which provide that the rebels close buried warriors on the battlefield on the outskirts until recognition after a NATO strike charred became, combined fend off their own efforts to the loyalist attack. "We 35 corpses, with two in the vehicles more melted found", a rebel fighter said. AFP

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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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No excuse, but NATO is statement of regret after airstrike rebels - Los Angeles Times

A rebel Libya waits with his weapon on the edge of Ajdabiya, Libya. (Maurizio Gambarini, EPA / April 7, 2011)Reporting from London and Tripoli, Libya - NATO Rear Admiral Russell Harding, Deputy Commander of the NATO operation in Libya, said Friday that NATO planes can indeed beat rebels close to the city of Brega on Thursday but offered no apology for what apparently was a fatal mistake.

The Secretary General of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, has a statement of regret about the rebel deaths, apparently by the NATO air strikes outside Brega added.

"This is a very unfortunate incident." I regret stark the loss of life "said Fogh Rasmussen." "I can assure you that we do our utmost to avoid civilian casualties."

In the meantime ship for the first time un with tons of humanitarian supplies brought relief, the besieged city of Misurata. The ship chartered by the world food programme, food and medical supplies for tens of thousands of civilians trapped by Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi include armed forces in the rebel held town.

A NATO led Alliance, which includes the United States battle to Kadafi's forces from the hurt civilians in different parts of the country to prevent controlled East, in particular the rebels, where forces loyal and against the longtime ruler of Libya in a battlefield standoff were locked.

NATO appeared to admit that his actions in the death of rebels may have been for the second time in less than a week.

"It seems that two of our strikes yesterday [Thursday] the death of a number of [transitional National Council of] forces may have been," said Harding from Naples, Italy. He said that after Ajdabiya saw, made North-East of Brega, the fighting on the road very confusing and difficult to monitor the situation.

"The situation in the area is always still very liquid liquid, with tanks and other vehicles moved in different directions, so that it can very difficult that they cannot be." "In addition, up to that time, the we not the TNC holding tanks, had seen", the British officer said.

He added that it not NATO responsibility to try to improve communication with the rebels to more erroneous air strikes to avoid.

"It is not for us trying civilians what persuasion, to improve communication with the rebels to protect", he said.

World Food Program Executive Director Josette Sheeran described the arrival of the ship relief in Misurata as "a breakthrough for the un humanitarian operation in Libya." He said it "can we reaching tens of thousands of people who caught in one of the toughest areas of conflict."

People randomly shooting and targeting their access a former Libyan Energy Minister, that the city on a fishing boat escape said news agencies, that Kadafi of the armed forces were to subdue civilians in Misurata, constant bombing to water supplies.

Fathi Omar bin Shatwan and his family arrived in the island nation Malta days after the escape of Misurata, where he been less than six weeks.

"she bombed food shops, supermarkets, water supplies and the port," he was quoted words. "It is that it has become natural for people like this for so long." "It is scary, but the fear is normal after a while."

He also said that he saw no future for Kadafi or his sons in a future Libya. He claimed that more officials of Kadafi itching were regime to defect as Foreign Minister Musa KUSA fact, but were afraid to do so.

He urged NATO to quickly to end the conflict through targeted all Kadafi of military equipment. "NATO do the job is good," he said.

Henry.Chu@LATimes.com

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Rebels scoff at nepotism's son acquisition

Nepotism's sons of floating one deal?New: Rebel withdrawal from al-BregaFormer forces staging Libyan Ambassador in United States in panic: nepotism's sons are "Murderers... just like her father" a Moammar nepotism sons could take over from his father, SaysClashes in Misratah can be a source five people dead and 24 injured

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) --sagte without end Libya's bloody war in sight, a source of close to the leadership of the country a Libyan envoy floats the idea of the ruler Muammar nepotism his pass makes a son-hold a term of the leader of the only cosmetic.

According to the proposal, Saif al-Islam help nepotism, 38, swift initiate reform, the source said. But SAIF has nepotism is one of the most outspoken defenders of his father since the start of the unrest, despite once perceived as a leading reformer in the Libyan Government.

But a proposal to the shift of power from nepotism to his second son is "a ridiculous offer," said Ali Aujali, a former Libyan Ambassador to the United States, which now represents the Libyan opposition in Washington.

"Libyan people who decided it, and they not back at all (to) nepotism or each Member of his family," said Aujali. "His sons, they are murderers - they are just like her father."

Aujali said the rebels Moammar nepotism and his family safe passage of Libya in exchange for an end to the K?mpfe--offer are willing, but that's as far as your offer is.

Nepotism of the forces of Rails have the upper hand Tuesday in renewed fighting in the city of al-Brega oil, where rebels in panic withdrawal under intense artillery bombardment, according to CNN reporter in the field of production have been.

The setback is the latest for a ragtag opposition, fighting, to maintain against the better trained and nepotism forces equipped, and less than a day after rebel commanders said they the longtime Libyan leader had forces on the defensive in al-Brega.

Now more carnage spread on Monday in the beleaguered city of Misurata, and a rebel spokesman said a NATO guided efforts not existing are, in some areas seemed to protect civilians.

Five people were killed and wounded Monday in clashes between pro nepotism 24 forces and rebels in Misratah, two sources told CNN.

Residents have said that city cut off was suffocated troops, with electricity and access to food by nepotism, from.

A resident that is not for security reasons, said "Every day life increasingly difficult, always is,". "There are long lines of people for bread and fuel."

He added that a few days at a time not their houses are left.

"There are snipers shoot anything that moves,", said the residents. "they are the main road outside the City control."

In al-Brega officer said opposition Monday that rebels surrounded the city from the North, East and West had had bombarded the area with rockets for much of the afternoon.

Major Miftah Omar Hamzah told CNN that 50 complete loads of loyalist troops in al-Brega remained, but he insisted that the nepotism of troops were put on the defensive.

New al-Brega, a suburban area of the houses of workers at a nearby oil refinery, near was partially under rebel control on Monday. Officers said opposition they were forces to disable still area of nepotism and a resident fled area CNN said that it is still uncertain.

There were no NATO air strikes in the area for at least 24 hours, he said.

The perceived lack of air force to protect a UN resolution to the civil life and enforcing an arms embargo brought criticism of rebel spokesman Mustafa Gheriani.

"You are to implement this resolution and clearly it is implemented not in Misurata, it is not implemented in Zintan or Zahwiya and we have questions about where they are?", he said.

Although nepotism showed no signs of a calming of the opposition or surrender to its power to anyone outside his family, cracks in his armor emerged.

His many years familiar and Foreign Minister, Moussa Koussa, fled London and his resignation recently after the Libyan Government announced. On Monday, the US Treasury lifted Koussa of assets freezing after his split from nepotism.

Gheriani said, while the conflict persists, there remains hope for a revolution.

"I think the regime nepotism within is crumbling," he said. "I think if you always be win look, people on history and I think, our victory."Reza Sayah, Ben Wedeman, Brian Todd, CNN's NIC Robertson and Yousuf Basil contributed to this report

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Rebels scoff at nepotism's son acquisition

Nepotism's sons of floating one deal?New: Rebel withdrawal from al-BregaFormer forces staging Libyan Ambassador in United States in panic: nepotism's sons are "Murderers... just like her father" a Moammar nepotism sons could take over from his father, SaysClashes in Misratah can be a source five people dead and 24 injured

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) --sagte without end Libya's bloody war in sight, a source of close to the leadership of the country a Libyan envoy floats the idea of the ruler Muammar nepotism his pass makes a son-hold a term of the leader of the only cosmetic.

According to the proposal, Saif al-Islam help nepotism, 38, swift initiate reform, the source said. But SAIF has nepotism is one of the most outspoken defenders of his father since the start of the unrest, despite once perceived as a leading reformer in the Libyan Government.

But a proposal to the shift of power from nepotism to his second son is "a ridiculous offer," said Ali Aujali, a former Libyan Ambassador to the United States, which now represents the Libyan opposition in Washington.

"Libyan people who decided it, and they not back at all (to) nepotism or each Member of his family," said Aujali. "His sons, they are murderers - they are just like her father."

Aujali said the rebels Moammar nepotism and his family safe passage of Libya in exchange for an end to the K?mpfe--offer are willing, but that's as far as your offer is.

Nepotism of the forces of Rails have the upper hand Tuesday in renewed fighting in the city of al-Brega oil, where rebels in panic withdrawal under intense artillery bombardment, according to CNN reporter in the field of production have been.

The setback is the latest for a ragtag opposition, fighting, to maintain against the better trained and nepotism forces equipped, and less than a day after rebel commanders said they the longtime Libyan leader had forces on the defensive in al-Brega.

Now more carnage spread on Monday in the beleaguered city of Misurata, and a rebel spokesman said a NATO guided efforts not existing are, in some areas seemed to protect civilians.

Five people were killed and wounded Monday in clashes between pro nepotism 24 forces and rebels in Misratah, two sources told CNN.

Residents have said that city cut off was suffocated troops, with electricity and access to food by nepotism, from.

A resident that is not for security reasons, said "Every day life increasingly difficult, always is,". "There are long lines of people for bread and fuel."

He added that a few days at a time not their houses are left.

"There are snipers shoot anything that moves,", said the residents. "they are the main road outside the City control."

In al-Brega officer said opposition Monday that rebels surrounded the city from the North, East and West had had bombarded the area with rockets for much of the afternoon.

Major Miftah Omar Hamzah told CNN that 50 complete loads of loyalist troops in al-Brega remained, but he insisted that the nepotism of troops were put on the defensive.

New al-Brega, a suburban area of the houses of workers at a nearby oil refinery, near was partially under rebel control on Monday. Officers said opposition they were forces to disable still area of nepotism and a resident fled area CNN said that it is still uncertain.

There were no NATO air strikes in the area for at least 24 hours, he said.

The perceived lack of air force to protect a UN resolution to the civil life and enforcing an arms embargo brought criticism of rebel spokesman Mustafa Gheriani.

"You are to implement this resolution and clearly it is implemented not in Misurata, it is not implemented in Zintan or Zahwiya and we have questions about where they are?", he said.

Although nepotism showed no signs of a calming of the opposition or surrender to its power to anyone outside his family, cracks in his armor emerged.

His many years familiar and Foreign Minister, Moussa Koussa, fled London and his resignation recently after the Libyan Government announced. On Monday, the US Treasury lifted Koussa of assets freezing after his split from nepotism.

Gheriani said, while the conflict persists, there remains hope for a revolution.

"I think the regime nepotism within is crumbling," he said. "I think if you always be win look, people on history and I think, our victory."Reza Sayah, Ben Wedeman, Brian Todd, CNN's NIC Robertson and Yousuf Basil contributed to this report

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Rebels scoff at nepotism's son acquisition

Nepotism's sons of floating one deal?New: Rebel withdrawal from al-BregaFormer forces staging Libyan Ambassador in United States in panic: nepotism's sons are "Murderers... just like her father" a Moammar nepotism sons could take over from his father, SaysClashes in Misratah can be a source five people dead and 24 injured

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) --sagte without end Libya's bloody war in sight, a source of close to the leadership of the country a Libyan envoy floats the idea of the ruler Muammar nepotism his pass makes a son-hold a term of the leader of the only cosmetic.

According to the proposal, Saif al-Islam help nepotism, 38, swift initiate reform, the source said. But SAIF has nepotism is one of the most outspoken defenders of his father since the start of the unrest, despite once perceived as a leading reformer in the Libyan Government.

But a proposal to the shift of power from nepotism to his second son is "a ridiculous offer," said Ali Aujali, a former Libyan Ambassador to the United States, which now represents the Libyan opposition in Washington.

"Libyan people who decided it, and they not back at all (to) nepotism or each Member of his family," said Aujali. "His sons, they are murderers - they are just like her father."

Aujali said the rebels Moammar nepotism and his family safe passage of Libya in exchange for an end to the K?mpfe--offer are willing, but that's as far as your offer is.

Nepotism of the forces of Rails have the upper hand Tuesday in renewed fighting in the city of al-Brega oil, where rebels in panic withdrawal under intense artillery bombardment, according to CNN reporter in the field of production have been.

The setback is the latest for a ragtag opposition, fighting, to maintain against the better trained and nepotism forces equipped, and less than a day after rebel commanders said they the longtime Libyan leader had forces on the defensive in al-Brega.

Now more carnage spread on Monday in the beleaguered city of Misurata, and a rebel spokesman said a NATO guided efforts not existing are, in some areas seemed to protect civilians.

Five people were killed and wounded Monday in clashes between pro nepotism 24 forces and rebels in Misratah, two sources told CNN.

Residents have said that city cut off was suffocated troops, with electricity and access to food by nepotism, from.

A resident that is not for security reasons, said "Every day life increasingly difficult, always is,". "There are long lines of people for bread and fuel."

He added that a few days at a time not their houses are left.

"There are snipers shoot anything that moves,", said the residents. "they are the main road outside the City control."

In al-Brega officer said opposition Monday that rebels surrounded the city from the North, East and West had had bombarded the area with rockets for much of the afternoon.

Major Miftah Omar Hamzah told CNN that 50 complete loads of loyalist troops in al-Brega remained, but he insisted that the nepotism of troops were put on the defensive.

New al-Brega, a suburban area of the houses of workers at a nearby oil refinery, near was partially under rebel control on Monday. Officers said opposition they were forces to disable still area of nepotism and a resident fled area CNN said that it is still uncertain.

There were no NATO air strikes in the area for at least 24 hours, he said.

The perceived lack of air force to protect a UN resolution to the civil life and enforcing an arms embargo brought criticism of rebel spokesman Mustafa Gheriani.

"You are to implement this resolution and clearly it is implemented not in Misurata, it is not implemented in Zintan or Zahwiya and we have questions about where they are?", he said.

Although nepotism showed no signs of a calming of the opposition or surrender to its power to anyone outside his family, cracks in his armor emerged.

His many years familiar and Foreign Minister, Moussa Koussa, fled London and his resignation recently after the Libyan Government announced. On Monday, the US Treasury lifted Koussa of assets freezing after his split from nepotism.

Gheriani said, while the conflict persists, there remains hope for a revolution.

"I think the regime nepotism within is crumbling," he said. "I think if you always be win look, people on history and I think, our victory."Reza Sayah, Ben Wedeman, Brian Todd, CNN's NIC Robertson and Yousuf Basil contributed to this report

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Libya rebels: Coalition killed 13 of us

The brother of Abubakr Jumaa keeps his picture outside a hospital on Saturday in Ajdabiya, Libya. Jumaa under which a coalition airstrike was killed, said an official rebel AFP.Coalition air strikes hit several rebel vehicles, SayA Government spokesman says the rebel reports are not over a cease fireAn Ernst opposition leader calls for the removal of snipers, mercenaries and militias

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) - showing of a ceasefire in Libya faded quickly Saturday during a battle for control of the oil city of al-Brega, raged where rebel fighters claimed they fighters and vehicles had lost to NATO air strikes.

Vehicles rebel several air raids hit and killed rebel fighters at least 13, Libyan opposition spokesman said Saturday. Seven others were injured.

NATO was investigating the incident, said a spokeswoman Saturday.

"NATO takes very seriously any reports of civilian casualties, but details we are difficult to verify, since no reliable sources on the ground," the NATO Oana Lungescu said. "Clearly, if someone is thrown when one of our aircraft, they have the right to defend themselves naturally."

Rebel spokesman Abdul Hafiz Ghoga opposition fighters al-Brega said after a night of heavy fighting with Moammar nepotism forces had retaken.

But it was Saturday from the coastal town of necessary control immediately unclear, which has now changed hands six times in as many weeks in the dramatically changing circumstances of the Libyan war.

In a fresh offensive Friday, Libyan opposition forces led by units of the army which defected nepotism of the forces push back nepotism of the troops, rebel spokesman said Shamsiddin Abdulmolah.

Rebels with newly renovated rocket launchers and artillery delivered to the front fought Thursday night by the units of the army, the pages changed, Abdulmolah said.

In the meantime forces loyal, nepotism showed no signs the data back down after officials an opposition cease-fire proposal spurns.

Government spokesman Musa Ibrahim told reporters in Tripoli on Friday, that the rebels were not "really serious" about the offer, which he said "stupid conditions." included

"we demand it of our own cities to withdraw and open our towns and cities, the people who keep weapons, tribal, violent, no unified leadership, al Qaeda links, and no one knows who they are." If this is not crazy, then I know not what is it, "he said." "We will not leave our cities." "We will not cease to protect our civilians."

His comments Mustafa Abdul Jalil came after Libyan opposition leader ceasefire conditions set, include the freedom of expression for the Libyan people and the Elimination of snipers, mercenaries and militias from Western cities.

Finally, he said, remains the opposition of goal of regime change in Libya.

Ghoga tries to clarify the opposition position Saturday.

"There is no, and was negotiating a truce with Colonel Gaddafi not dictatorship," he said at a press conference specialist opinion.

He repeated that the opposition demands that nepotism stop the sieges on cities like Misratah stop all military action, put and allow freedom of speech and Assembly.

Sources close to nepotism told CNN that political solutions are possible but that the Libyan leader makes only to others would refrain from in his inner circle.

She said it is time for dialogue, but expressed doubt that would represent the opposition.

Each transition, they said would Saif al-Islam include nepotism's second son, nepotism, and for such a transition to take place it first would have to be an end to the fighting.

CNN said the Libyan sources, that now, nepotism remains confident that the regime can withstand any challenge by the rebels.

U.S. officials say that since the beginning of the UN sanctioned air strikes have steadily undermined nepotism of military capabilities.

The dictator's forces prevail but rebels by about 10: 1 on armor and other ground forces, according to Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff.CNN's NIC Robertson, Ben Wedeman and Reza Sayah on this report helped

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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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