NATO warplanes continued
to bomb pro-Gadhafi strongholds in Libya, as a military offensive
by rebel forces struggled to battle the loyalist remnants and take
control of the cities.
Aiming at the cities of Sirte, Sabha, and Bani Walid, NATO bombs
struck one radar system, eight surface-to-air missile systems, five
surface-to-air missile trailers, one armed vehicle and two command
vehicles in a sizable air campaign, despite Western claims the war would
subside.
But as rebel forces invaded these last remaining bastions of Gadhafi
support and NATO followed up with unrelenting air raids, hundreds
of civilians poured out of these towns, fleeing the violence. The
refugees reported days of intense firefights and bombing and complained
of deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
The United Nations released a statement expressing concern about the
plight of civilians marooned inside the isolated pro-Gadhafi towns.
Reports flowed out of Libya that these towns have no electricity, no
running water, and severe food shortages.
Meanwhile, Muammar Gadhafi’s son al-Saadi
Gadhafi crossed the border into Niger seeking political asylum. Nigerian
spokesman Marou Amadou has confirmed that he is now in Niamey, Niger’s
capital along with three generals in Gadhafi’s army. Al Saadi Gadhafi is
the subject of a United Nations sanction for commanding a military unit
accused of repression of demonstrations.
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