Libyan Rebels Claim Control of Key Supply Route

Posted August 27th, 2011 at 9:30 am (UTC-5)
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Libyan rebels say they have gained control of a key border post near Tunisia, but are still fighting for control of the western city of Zuwarah.

Opposition fighters faced stiff resistance Saturday from forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi in their efforts to advance into Zuwarah. A major supply route to Tripoli crosses Zuwarah. The coastal city is about 50 kilometers from the Tunisian border.

On Friday, rebels seized Ras Adjir, a border post along the same route.

Meanwhile, NATO warplanes pounded a large bunker in Mr. Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte on Friday. Libya's leader has dropped out of sight since rebel fighters seized Tripoli; Sirte is considered one place where he may be hiding.

British warplanes fired precision-guided missiles at the Sirte bunker complex. British Defense Secretary Liam Fox said NATO was not specifically targeting Mr. Gadhafi, but that the airstrikes are uintended to make sure that the country's long-tiome ruler and his forces can no longer continue “waging war.”

At AU.Nl. headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said African, Arab and European organizations have agreed that the turmoil in Libya has entered “a new and decisive phase.'' Mr. Ban said the international community is ready to send a police force into Libya – if requested – because the country is “awash in small arms.”