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

View the original article here

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

View the original article here

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

远程服务器返回了意外响应: (400) Bad Request。
远程服务器返回了意外响应: (400) Bad Request。
var HDN = HDN || {}; HDN.t_firstbyte = Number(new Date()); Libyan rebels say airstrike killed 13 of their own - seattlepi.com (skip this header)

RegisterSign In Seattle TrafficSeattle WeatherMobile Saturday, April 02, 2011

seattlepi.com Web Search by YAHOO! Businesses LocalU.S./WorldBusinessSportsA&ELifeComicsPhotosBlogs ClassifiedsShoppingReal Estate Index ? Back to Article

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...

?

HDN.doRefresh = 1; .fb_share_count_wrapper { width: 52px;}.FBConnectButton_Small .FBConnectButton_Text { padding:2px 2px 3px 3px;}.FBConnectButton_Small, .FBConnectButton_RTL_Small { font-size:9px; line-height:10px;}.print_link { height: 25px;} Larger | Smaller Printable Version Email This Georgia (default)

Verdana

Times New Roman

Arial

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

Discovery's last voyage

Mardi Gras in New Orleans 2011

Kilauea volcano Carnival 2011 Ronald Reagan: A life remembered Year of the Rabbit News of the world in pictures Most Read | Most Commented Libyan rebels say airstrike killed 13 of their own Police: Teacher caught naked with former student Southwest grounds about 80 planes after mishap Police seek 'extremely dangerous' suspect in torture-killing Bellevue condo group feels frustrated over light-rail discussion Former Bellevue middle school teacher accused of child rape Libyan rebels say airstrike killed 13 of their own Bill extending Seattle sports stadium taxes moves through Senate Paul says Libya shows shift in Obama position Redmond minors arrested for drunk, public sex at Parkplace | Kirkland Police Blotter var HDN = HDN || {}; HDN.ping( { "id": 1314077, "site": "seattlepi", "type": "article" });

Reader Services: My account | Mobile | RSS feeds | Follow us on Twitter | Facebook | E-mail newsletters | Corrections

Company Info: Advertise online | Contact us | Send us tips | Job openings | About the P-I | Hearst Corp. | Terms of use | Privacy policy | About our ads

Advertising Services: SEO by LocalEdge | PPC Management by Metrix4Media

Send comments to newmedia@seattlepi.com

? 2011 Hearst Communications Inc.

View the original article here