Rebels move closer to capturing Brega again

04/04/11 18:33 CET

world news

| |

Libyan rebels have pushed forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi out of much of the city but they are still facing bombardment.

Control of the oil town has changed hands several times during the past month as government troops and opposition forces advance and then retreat. If there were eventually to be a ceasefire leading to Libya’s partition, control of resources and revenues from oil ports including Brega and Ras Lanuf would be crucial.

Reports from our correspondent:

01.04 – Libyan rebels list their terms for ceasefire
31.03 – euronews on the run with Libya’s rebel forces

In the west, Gaddafi’s forces are continuing to besiege Misrata. But neither side, it seems, has been able to gain the upper hand. Despite NATO’s airstrikes on government positions, the rebels are being mostly undone by indiscipline.

More experienced and retired officers are now reportedly swelling the rebel ranks to combat the better equipped government troops. It remains unclear, however, the extent of rebel casualties with opposition forces claiming they urgently need more weapons and fresh supplies.

More about: Armed conflicts, Civil War, Libya, Muammar Gaddafi

| |

Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…