At Least 11 Libyan Rebels Killed in Misrata Clashes

Posted July 5th, 2011 at 12:40 pm (UTC-5)
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At least 11 Libyan rebels have been killed in clashes with pro-government forces near the opposition-held city of Misrata.

Medics and rebels say the deaths occurred late Monday and Tuesday after forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi shelled targets on the outskirts of the city, about 200 kilometers east of Tripoli. They say more than 40 rebels have been wounded.

The fighting comes after NATO and Russian officials failed to narrow their differences over the Western air campaign over Libya.

Russia accused the alliance of interpreting a United Nations resolution on military intervention any way it wishes.

Separately, one of Mr. Gadhafi's sons warned that his family will not quit or leave Libya. French TV channel TF1 quoted Saif al-Islam Gadhafi as saying “We will never surrender.”

The developments come amid Libyan government reports of talks between representatives of Mr. Gadhafi and members of the opposition that has been fighting to oust him since February.

The African Union has also been trying to get formal Libyan peace talks going.

At the end of their summit last week, African leaders endorsed a plan to co-sponsor Libya talks with the United Nations and other international organizations. But there has been no reported progress.