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Libyan Rebels Surge, Near Crucial City

Decisive battle looms in Sirte

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 28, 2011 7:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – Rebel forces appeared to regain their momentum yesterday, capturing at least three important towns and two major oil refineries in a march that brought them just outside Gadhafi’s hometown of Sirte, the Washington Post and New York Times report. In Benghazi, rebels celebrated as rumors spread that Sirte had already been taken, firing guns and rockets into the air. But those rumors appear to be unfounded, and dozens of pro-Gadhafi fighters were reportedly seen roaming Sirte's streets last night.

Rebels had tried to take Sirte before international forces intervened, but were driven back. But now that they’ve got the support of American and European airstrikes—which have largely turned to attacking Gadhafi’s ground troops—the advance proved surprisingly easy. But air cover may be less useful in taking the heavily defended Sirte, the Times warns, and the battle there could help decide the war.

A Libyan rebel has the rebel flag painted on his fingers as he flashes the vicory sign on the front line outside of Bin Jawaad, 150 km east of Sirte, central Libya, Monday, March 28 2011.
A Libyan rebel has the rebel flag painted on his fingers as he flashes the vicory sign on the front line outside of Bin Jawaad, 150 km east of Sirte, central Libya, Monday, March 28 2011.   (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)
Libyan rebels, waving the French and rebellion flags, raise brand new rocket propelled grenades they took from abandoned pro-government forces' ammunition stocks on March 27, 2011 in Ajdabiya.
Libyan rebels, waving the French and rebellion flags, raise brand new rocket propelled grenades they took from abandoned pro-government forces' ammunition stocks on March 27, 2011 in Ajdabiya.   (Getty Images/AFP)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
jerrymac
Mar 28, 2011 2:54 PM CDT
Further evidence that this "intervention" is about oil. Link showing oil platforms in Libya: http://web.stratfor.com/images/middleeast/art/Libya_Energy_800.jpg Might want to overlay on a map of battle lines.
jerrymac
Mar 28, 2011 2:00 PM CDT
Oh, but we do have interests in Libya. Well, our allies mainly have the interests, but we decided to help. Have you wondered why Libya is being attacked and no other Middle East country has been yet? The reasons given by Obama and his people, including Hillary, can easily be applied to at least 3 other Middle East country, even more if you include African nations. The reason we are "protecting" the civilians in Libya and nowhere else is simple: O-I-L. Libya is a major supplier to European countries such as France and Britain. Didn't you find it odd that the French, they who raised their noses and pooh-poohed when asked for support in Iraq, they whose primary military strategy is to retreat first and let the US and Britain save their ass, were the ones that fired the first shot in Libya? Hm-mm? The Russians officially pointed out that the air strikes against Libyan forces are a violation of the UN No Fly directive. Force is to be used ONLY to protect civilians, not break up military formations or assist rebel attacks. So Libs, sit back and enjoy the show as Obama does exactly what you accused Bush of. He is killing foreign nationals to safeguard oil supplies. Where are the "NO BLOOD FOR OIL" chants now?
JimW
Mar 28, 2011 9:59 AM CDT
I like that picture. Hate war though. Then again 1 less evil prick (gadaffi) can only be a good thing.

 
Libya • airstrike • rebels • Benghazi • Sirte, Libya

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