Rebels opposed to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi advanced westward on Tuesday aiming to retake the oil town of Brega in a push to extend their control over the east of the country. The rebels launched their new offensive on Sunday. The fighting has killed 13 and wounded dozens, they said.
Blasts rumbled in the distance near Brega, which has changed hands several times between rebels and forces loyal to Gaddafi since the revolt against his four-decade rule erupted in mid-February. Pick-ups mounted with guns sped down the road towards the town.
After a series of earlier battles, the sprawling coastal town that is home to an oil export terminal and other oil installations has been in Gaddafi’s control since late April, largely uncontested as rebels regrouped in the east. “We are pushing for Brega. We are optimistic.
Two days ago we received 50 wounded and 7 dead and yesterday, 37 wounded and 6 dead. Today it is quiet so far, but we are ready for new casualties,” said Mohamed Abdel-Karim, a doctor at Ajdabiyah hospital. NATO forces have bombarded Gaddafi loyalist positions in the Brega area in past weeks and have used attack helicopters, deployed to enable more accurate targeting of the Libyan leader’s forces.
