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Kadafi's military forces continue attacks on rebels in Libya cities Misurata Ajdabiya Zawiya 2303111

Defense News - The conflict in Libya

Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 08:51 AM

Kadafi's forces continue attacks on rebels in Libya cities of Misurata, Ajdabiya, and Zawiya.

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi carried out attacks on several rebel-held areas and deployed an elite military brigade to help bolster defenses, U.S. officials said, despite sharply stepped-up coalition airstrikes against his regime.

Destroyed army vehicles are pictured at the Boussetta Libyan navy base on March 22, 2011, the day after it was bombarded some 10 kilometres (six miles) east of Tripoli center.

Kadafi's military assaults Tuesday March 22, 2011, suggested that the Libyan strongman is seeking to crush the remnants of the 5-week-old popular rebellion against his regime, underscoring deepening questions about to whether the U.S.-led air campaign is succeeding.

Libyan army tanks and artillery were reportedly used against rebel fighters in the seaport of Misurata, the last major city in western Libya held by the ragtag rebel force trying to overthrow Kadafi's four decades of rule.

Kadafi's military also has not withdrawn from two other Libyan cities that have seen heavy fighting, Ajdabiya and Zawiya, as President Obama as demanded.

A witness in Misurata said coalition warplanes or missiles struck a large ammunition depot used by Kadafi's forces south of the city, causing an earth-shaking explosion and sending a fireball into the sky early Wednesday.

Libyan rebels duck for cover as they come under tank fire from Moamer Kadhafi's forces on the outskirts of Ajdabiya on March 22, 2011 as rag-tag rebel forces massed for a second day to try to attack government forces that have encircled the city.