GADDAFI IS RE-TAKING CONTROL OF LIBYA

GADDAFI IS RE-TAKING CONTROL OF LIBYA MAR 6
Extracts

REUTERS REPORT

UPDATE 1-Pro-Gaddafi forces attack Libya's Misrata -witnesses

Sun Mar 6, 2011 1:09pm GMT


http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE7250AN20110306

Residents say government forces use tanks, artillery
* Misrata is biggest rebel stronghold in western Libya
* Assault carried out by militia under Gaddafi's son
(Adds quotes, changes dateline pvs ALGIERS

TRIPOLI, March 6 (Reuters) - Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi used artillery and tanks in an attack on the rebel-held town of Misrata, 200 km (125 miles) east of the capital, local people told Reuters by telephone.
The fighting appeared to be the most concerted effort yet by government forces to retake the town, the largest population centre controlled by Gaddafi opponents outside the rebel-held east of the country.

Witnesses in Misrata, which has been under rebel control for over a week, said the attack was led by units of a militia led by Khamis, a son of the Libyan leader.
"Very, very heavy fighting is taking place now at the western entrance of the town. The fighting started about an hour ago after an attack by brigades belonging to Khamis," a resident, Mohamed, said by telephone.

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BBC REPORT

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12658670

6 March 2011 Last updated at 04:09 ET Help

Supporters of Colonel Gaddafi have rallied in the Libyan capital as fighting continues in the east. Gunfire was heard in Tripoli but the authorities said it was celebratory. There were also reports of government air strikes in the strategic oil town of Ras Lanuf.
Jeremy Bowen reports from Tripoli.

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THE GUARDIAN REPORT

Gunfire in Tripoli amid rumours of Gaddafi's forces retaking rebel positions
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/06/gunfire-in-tripoli-gaddafi-libya

The Libyan capital erupted in gunfire early on Sunday morning amid wild rumours that government troops had recaptured a series of positions including the rebel-controlled town of Zawiyah, 30 miles from Tripoli.

The first salvos of gunfire, which began at 5.30am, sounded far more aggressive in intent than the widespread celebratory fire and honking of car horns that later overtook it.
But government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim denied any fighting was under way in Tripoli, saying the gunfire was staged to celebrate the army's recapture of several cities from rebel forces.

The celebrations came as a long-expected counter-attack by government forces appeared to be under way, with heavy fighting reported around the town of Ras Lanuf, following a similar government assault on the town of Zawiyah on Saturday.
"These are celebrations because government forces have taken control of all areas to Benghazi and are in the process of taking control of Benghazi," Ibrahim said, referring to Libya's rebel-controlled second largest city, situated in the far east.
"I assure you … there is no fighting going on in Tripoli. Everything is safe. Tripoli is 100% under control. What you are hearing is celebratory fireworks. People are in the streets, dancing in the square," said Ibrahim, adding, however: "I would like to advise not to go there for your safety."
Deputy foreign minister Khaled Kaim had told reporters late on Saturday that Zawiyah was "quiet and peaceful".
"We hope by tomorrow morning life will be back to normal."

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ISRAEL NEWS

Celebration: We returned Libya to Gaddafi
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4038265,00.html

Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth correspondent reports Libyan leader's supporters rejoicing in Tripoli, claiming he regained control of country. 'We must remain united,' says local schoolteacher Ynet correspondent

Published: 03.06.11, 13:43 / Israel News


Thousands of Gaddafi supporters encircled the al-Aziza fortress, where Muammar Gaddafi and his sons are believed to be staying. They carried flags and portraits of the Libyan leader and chanted slogans in his support.

What are you celebrating and why are you so happy, I asked Fatma, a local schoolteacher. "Victory! We returned Libya to its rightful owner, we returned Libya to Gaddafi," she replied.
How do you know that's what happened, I asked. "We have relatives in Tobruk, in Zawiya, and in all other cities in Libya. They told us on the phone that the army regained control all across Libya. I don't know if they have already reached Benghazi, but the army is definitely close. I'm convinced of it."

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LOS ANGELES REPORT

LIBYA: State TV reports significant gains for pro-Kadafi forces; rebels, journalists deny claims
March 6, 2011 | 3:35 am

Libyan state TV claimed Sunday that forces loyal to leader Moammar Kadafi had recaptured a number of key towns from rebels -- claims swiftly denied by the rebels and some news organizations.
Kadafi-controlled TV said troops had retaken Libya's third largest city, Misurata, and the key oil pipeline hub Ras Lanuf. The report also claimed that Kadafi troops were in control of Tobruk in the far east.
Throngs of Kadafi supporters waving green flags reportedly took to the streets of Tripoli to celebrate the announcement.