News / Africa

Gadhafi Forces Bear Down on Western Libya

Libyan men react as the main fuel depot in Misrata burns after a bombing by pro-Gadhafi forces, May 7, 2011
TEXT SIZE - +

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi are intensifying their shelling of towns in the country's western mountains, where support for anti-Gadhafi rebels is high.

On Saturday, Libyan government forces shelled four large oil tanks in Misrata, destroying the city's only source of fuel. The blaze spread to other tanks as firefighters battled the flames in vain.

Misrata is the last city in western Libya under rebel control. The port city has been under siege by government forces for more than two months.

On Friday, Libya sharply criticized an international plan to send millions of dollars in assistance to rebels and civilians.

Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim said that Libya is "one sovereign state." He said the planned use of the funds amounted to "piracy on the high seas."

Amnesty International said Friday that forces loyal to the Libyan leader may have committed war crimes in the besieged city of Misrata.

The rights group released a report saying Gadhafi's forces have "unlawfully" killed civilians in indiscriminate attacks using heavy artillery, rockets, cluster bombs and sniper fire.

Also, France announced plans Friday to expel 14 Libyan diplomats, a day after Britain ordered two Libyan officials to leave.

The French Foreign Ministry said the diplomats, who back Gadhafi, had been given 48 hours to leave France.

You May Like

Video Egypt's Conservative Rural Vote Appears Split

Early speculation after the first two-day round is showing a race too close to call More

NATO Continues Plans for Missile Defense

While Afghanistan dominated talks in Chicago, member states also reaffirmed their commitment to ballistic-missile defense More

War Declared on Invasive Leaping Asian Carp

When Asian carp were first imported decades ago, few foresaw their environmental impact. More

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Latest Africa News

VOA Correspondent in Ethiopia Released From Custody, Charges Dropped

More

VOA Correspondent in Ethiopia Released From Custody, Charges Dropped

More

VOA Correspondent in Ethiopia Released From Custody, Charges Dropped

More

Voters in African Highlands Casting Ballots in General Election Saturday

More

VOA Correspondent in Ethiopia Released From Custody, Charges Dropped

More
Read more