Libyan forces destroy key fuel supply in Misrata
BENGHAZI, LIBYA—Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi destroyed three huge fuel tanks in the besieged city of Misurata, aggravating an already dire humanitarian crisis there, the rebel leadership said Saturday.
The bombardment could lead to critical shortages of gasoline for vehicles and fuel for electricity in the stricken city, said Jalal el Gallal, an opposition spokesman in Benghazi, the rebel stronghold in eastern Libya.
Meanwhile, fighting in far western Libya again spilled into neighbouring Tunisia, where the government strongly condemned the mortaring of its territory.
A Tunisian communique said the government would act “to preserve (the) integrity of its national territory and security of its inhabitants and refugees,” according to the official Tunisian news agency.
Libyan rebels have captured key swaths of the western highlands, including the city of Zintan, prompting a fierce regime counterattack that has sent thousands of Libyans fleeing into Tunisia.
Misurata, the last major coastal city in western Libya in rebel hands, has been under siege from pro-regime forces for more than two months. Opposition leaders say scores have been killed in what they call indiscriminate, daily shelling by Gadhafi's forces.
On Saturday, the rebel leadership alleged a government helicopter bearing markings of the Red Cross had tried to lay mines in the harbour. A NATO official said allies had heard about it and were investigating, but had not verified it.
The rebel command repeatedly has urged its allies to provide insurgent forces with better armaments and equipment in their stalemate with Gadhafi's better-armed and better-trained troops.
But the United States and other nations that have called for Gadhafi to step down have been hesitant to arm the rebels, generally preferring to provide non-lethal, humanitarian aid.
Los Angeles Times
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