THE GUARDIAN: Pro-Gaddafi forces launch widespread offensives and rebels fortify their positions as diplomatic efforts failLibyan rebels are under intensifying pressure as forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi launch new offensives on several fronts to regain control of key rebel-held towns and oil facilities, and international efforts to mediate an end to the fighting appear to run into the sand.
Some of the fiercest clashes since the uprising began on 15 February took place in rebel-controlled Zawiyah, about 30 miles west of the Libyan capital, according to Arab media reports. Al-Arabiya television quoted a local doctor as saying at least 13 people were killed there, and al-Jazeera TV gave a figure of 50 dead and more than 300 wounded.
The leader of the rebels in Zawiyah, Colonel Husein Darbouk, was among those killed when his position was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Following attacks including an artillery bombardment by mercenaries and militia in Gaddafi's pay, the rebels were said to be pinned down in the central square. State media predicted the town would fall by Saturday.
A witness contacted by the Guardian inside Zawiyah said the assault began at about 10am from the west when government-controlled forces in pick-up trucks entered the city. "There has been fighting here all day," he said. "We are in a very difficult position. They have snipers and have used mortars and rocket-propelled grenades." >>> Martin Chulov in Benghazi, Peter Beaumont in Tripoli and Simon Tisdall | Friday, March 04, 2011
