Libya News: Rebels Launch Attack in West, Claim 5 Towns
A major offensive launched by hundreds of Libyan rebels in the western part of the country Thursday proved a massive success with the capturing of five towns and the surrounding of another.
The captured towns include al-Ruwais, Takout, al-Jawsh, Bader, and al-Ghazzaya.
The capturing of these towns, if true, will enable rebels to secure a major supply route near the border of Tunisia.
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Four months since NATO airstrikes began, the success of the Libyan rebels, who have been fighting since February to bring an end to Gaddafi’s 42 year-regime, follows another major rebel offensive that occurred in recent weeks.
A rebel spokesman indicated that weapons, ammunition, and 18 government soldiers were captured in Thursday's offensive.
On the rebel side, four men were killed and 20 men were wounded.
The success of the rebels is likely to spur enthusiasm among fighters as rebel forces have been facing major setbacks recently with heavy casualties accumulated following a battle over al-Ghazzaya with pro-Gaddafi forces last month.
With the successful offensive, it appears that rebels are now in leadership negotiations with Gaddafi.
Reports coming out of Russia suggest that the negotiations are concentrating on an agreement that would have each side proposing two officials to an interim council.
On Monday, it was confirmed by the British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, that if removed from power, Gaddafi could potentially stay in Libya.
Hague's comment signals a change in position by the NATO-backed coalition forces that originally went into Libya saying Gaddafi must leave the country.
Nevertheless, even if Gaddafi stays, his power has been officially unrecognized by coalition leaders.
Libya's rebels have been recognized by Britain, the United States, and France as the country's "sole governmental authority."
Libyan deputy foreign minister Khaled Kaim has said however, that the decision of the international community to recognize rebels was "unprecedented and irresponsible."
Thus far, Gaddafi has been defiant in maintaining his leadership over the country.
