AhlulBayt News Agency

source : PressTV
Thursday

3 March 2011

8:30:00 PM
229439

Fresh attacks hit Libya's Brega

Forces loyal to Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi have launched fresh attacks on the oil town of Brega for a third day, as the battle over oil terminals continues.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Brega, an oil terminal town 800 km (500 miles) east of the capital city of Tripoli, came under aerial attacks by pro-Gaddafi forces on Thursday as well.

Two missiles fired from a fighter jet on Thursday landed a few meters from a square where anti-government protesters were celebrating their victory over Gaddafi loyalists in an earlier assault.

Heavily-armed government forces approached Brega later Thursday in an effort to retake the town but were forced to retreat by revolutionary forces. Medics said at least 14 people were killed in the fight.

Opposition forces have reinforced protection of oil sites in the liberated eastern parts of Libya against possible sabotage attacks by Gaddafi loyalists.

Fears are growing that Gaddafi's crumbling regime would commit tremendous damage to the country's oil infrastructure as its impending collapse draws closer.

UN Security Council has proposed the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent casualties caused by air strikes, but disagreements among the permanent members has brought the issue to a halt.

The National Libyan Council, recently set up to protect the liberated east, has rejected any negotiations with the government, saying Gaddafi's hands “are tainted with blood.”

The International Criminal Court announced on Thursday that it will conduct a probe into crimes against humanity committed by Gaddafi's regime during the harsh clampdown on anti-government protesters.

/106