MISURATA – Libyan rebel forces in Misurata, supported by Nato air strikes, launched an offensive towards the government-held town of Zlitan yesterday morning, with fighters saying they were making gains amid heavy fighting.
“We are now 1.5km from Zlitan,” said rebel fighter Mohammed Ashanobah of the Shaheed [Martyr] Brigade.
In eastern Libya, rebels continue to try to capture Brega, a key government-held town that is home to an oil refinery. They said they were being hampered by extensive minefields.
Nato said it destroyed six government artillery pieces around Misurata on Monday and aircraft hit a further 12 targets on Tuesday, marking a sharp escalation in alliance air strikes around the besieged city.
Hikma hospital in Misurata reported seven fighters killed and 14 wounded by midday. Tripoli issued no casualty figures. Among the wounded were two government soldiers brought to the hospital by the man who shot them. – (Guardian service)