LIBYA: Rebels have taken control of Zlitan but Muammar Gaddafi loyalists still control Brega, says rebel military spokesperson Ahmed Bani

Record ID: 562449

  • Title: LIBYA: Rebels have taken control of Zlitan but Muammar Gaddafi loyalists still control Brega, says rebel military spokesperson Ahmed Bani
  • Date: 21st August 2011
  • Summary: BENGHAZI, LIBYA: (AUGUST 20, 2011) (REUTERS) REBELS MILITARY SPOKESPERSON, AHMED BANI, ENTERS PRESS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic followed by English translation) REBEL MILITARY SPOKESPERSON, AHMED BANI, SAYING: "Last night the industrial area of Brega was under our complete control, but we withdrew to the east of the industrial city today as we are securing our facilities and protecting ourselves. Our scouts reported that (Muammar) Gaddafi's troops have gone back to the city of Bishr." CAMERA CREWS FILMING (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic followed by English translation) REBEL MILITARY SPOKESPERSON, AHMED BANI, SAYING: "After fierce clashes, I am happy to say that Zlitan is entirely liberated and under our control for the first time. More than 30 martyrs lost their lives and 120 fighters were wounded so far." BANI IS LEAVING
  • Embargoed: 5th September 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Libya
  • Country: Libya
  • Topics: Conflict
  • Reuters ID: LVA6AKGC4CG2FIBDPQYJJHXUV48I
  • Story Text: In a drive to topple the embattled Muammar Gaddafi rebels fought fierce battles in Brega, said rebel spokesman Ahmed Bani on Saturday (August 20).
    Rebels came close to seizing control of Brega on Friday (Augsut 19), but were forced to retreat, he said.
    "Last night the industrial area of Brega was under our complete control, but we withdrew to the east of the industrial city today as we are securing our facilities and protecting ourselves. Our scouts reported that (Muammar) Gaddafi's troops have gone back to the city of Bishr," said Bani.
    Rebels fought to control Brega's oil refinery, but it remains in the hands of Gaddafi forces.
    But rebels made consistent gains in Zlitan using rocket launchers, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars. The rebel forces managed to retake the city, said Bani.
    "After fierce clashes, I am happy to say that Zlitan is entirely liberated and under our control for the first time. More than 30 martyrs lost their lives and 120 fighters were wounded so far," he said.
    Rebels battled for towns on either side of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday (August 20), and fighting spilled across the border into Tunisia where Libyan infiltrators clashed with Tunisian troops.
    The United States said Muammar Gaddafi's "days are numbered" as insurgents, backed by NATO air strikes, put his four-decade rule in the North African nation under unprecedented pressure amid reports of more defections from his ranks.
    The six-month-old war in Libya came close to the frontier this week after rebels suddenly seized the coastal city of Zawiyah just 50 km (30 miles) west of Tripoli, surrounding the capital and severing its supply routes
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