Libya: Gaddafi forces fight back

THE multinational coalition executing air strikes against forces loyal to the Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, appears to have paved the way for a new rebel front by bombing positions near a rural stretch along the country’s western border. (more…)

Libyan rebels: ‘We’re civilized and educated not al-Qaeda’

Until three weeks ago, Gabail Hamad was an engineer for Libya Air.

“Look at me, I’m dressed like an imam,” said Hamad, 45, who was wearing a long robe and a white lace prayer hat called a taqiyah.

Hamad stood amid dozens of 5-inch artillery shells in Brega, where he was fighting for the rebels seeking to overthrow Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. (more…)

Tanks, rockets drive back Libyan rebels from Gadhafi’s hometown

Libyan government tanks and rockets have driven back rebels who attempted an assault on Moammar Gadhafi’s hometown of Sirte. Opposition fighters fleeing in a panicked scramble pleaded for international airstrikes that never came. (more…)

Obama’s Libya speech: First Thoughts

US President Barack Obama issued a broad defense of his decision to pursue military action against Libya in a speech to the country tonight, arguing that intervention was a necessary step to prevent a “massacre” in the country. (more…)

Libyan rebels encounter ‘dirty tricks’ from Gaddafi’s troops

Suliman Abdul Mula was not surprised when he saw the white flag waved by a group of Muammar Gaddafi’s soldiers caught between western air strikes and the rapid advance of Libya’s rebels. “We saw they raised the white flag. We thought they no longer wanted to fight for Gaddafi. They are losing and no one in Libya wants to die for Gaddafi any more,” said the 31-year-old. “But when we approached, they opened fire. It was a trick.” (more…)

Qatar recognizes Libyan opposition

The Libyan Transitional National Council is the legitimate representative of the Libyan people, the Foreign Ministry in Qatar announced Monday. (more…)

Libya rebels say they have taken Ras Lanuf

A day after retaking the town of Brega, rebels in Libya say they have taken the oil port of Ras Lanuf.

“They are just clearing the city,” said Iman Bougaighis, a spokeswoman for the opposition. “After that they plan to stay there, overnight or longer.” (more…)

Libyan Woman Claiming Gaddafi Troops raped her

A distraught Libyan woman stormed into a Tripoli hotel Saturday to tell foreign reporters that government troops raped her, setting off a brawl when hotel staff and government minders tried to detained her. (more…)

French forces destroy 7 Libyan aircraft on ground

French warplanes have destroyed five Libyan military planes and two helicopters at Misrata air base in the past 24 hours, France’s armed forces said.

Armed forces spokesman Thierry Burkhard said all seven Libyan aircraft were destroyed while on the ground (more…)

Libyan economy struggles

Long lines formed outside gas stations and supermarket shelves were emptying Friday amid signs that the week-old no-fly zone and naval blockade against Libya are beginning to take a toll on the country’s economy. (more…)