Libyan Rebels to NATO: Do Job Right or Just Stop

Rebel leader complains NATO is slow to react, ignoring Misrata
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 6, 2011 7:55 AM CDT
Libyan Rebels to NATO: Do Job Right or Just Stop
A rebel fighter sits on a destoryed tank on the entrance to the city of Ajdabiya on April 5, 2011.   (Getty Images)

Libyan rebels are none too pleased with NATO, complaining that Moammar Gadhafi is advancing because of the alliance's inaction. And the harsh words didn't stop there. Rebel leader Abdel Fattah Younes griped that it takes hours for NATO to respond to what's happening on the battlefield, and said that they should "do the job properly"—or not do it at all. "NATO has become our problem," said Younes. "One official calls another and then from the official to the head of NATO and from the head of NATO to the field commander. This takes eight hours."

Al-Jazeera notes that Younis was particularly incensed about NATO's response in Misrata, which has been under siege for 40 days. Younis claims Gadhafi contaminated the drinking water, that residents are lacking basic supplies, and that NATO could have lifted the siege there weeks ago. "Civilians are dying daily because of lack of food or milk, even children are dying. Even by bombing. If NATO waits for another week, it will be a crime that NATO will have to carry. What is NATO doing?" (More Misrata stories.)

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