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Pro-Gadhafi Forces Launch Another Strike on Ajdabiya


A rebel fighter cleans the ammunition rounds of an anti-aircraft weapon in Ajdabiyah, March 15, 2011
A rebel fighter cleans the ammunition rounds of an anti-aircraft weapon in Ajdabiyah, March 15, 2011

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi have launched another airstrike on the rebel-held eastern town of Ajdabiya, moving closer to the rebel's main stronghold of Benghazi.

Witnesses said Tuesday's aerial bombings hit the town's western edge. The French news agency says at least one fighter was killed in the assault.

Pro-Gadhafi forces bombed Ajdabiya on Monday while also targeting the western coastal town of Zuwarah, some 120 kilometers west of Tripoli. Zuwarah is one of the few western towns that rebels were able to seize when their revolt began a month ago.

There is confusion about which side is in control of the oil port of Brega. Late reports Monday said a rebel force has retaken the town's residential district, with pro-Gadhafi forces controlling its oil facilities.

The lightly armed and poorly organized opposition fighters have not been able to stop the advance of the Libyan army with its aircraft, tanks and heavy weapons. Over the past week, the rebel advance to the west has been pushed back nearly 200 kilometers.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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