By Sharon Tibenda

15^th Aug 2011:

Libyan rebels enter Zawiyah town

Libyan revolutionary forces have entered the coastal city of Zawiyah, which is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of the capital city Tripoli, according to the latest reports.  Revolutionary fighters say they entered the city on Saturday after a battle with forces loyal to ruler Muammar Gaddafi that lasted several hours, Reuters reported.

However, the Gaddafi regime disputes the statements and says the revolutionaries have not taken control of Zawiyah; even though pictures have beamed across the world showing the rebels celebrating in Zawiyah.  Gaddafi forces used anti-tank guns in the fierce battle with revolutionaries.

A medic says three revolutionary fighters were wounded in the clashes.  In other fighting near the eastern city of Brega, at least 15 revolutionary forces were killed over the past two days. Six soldiers loyal to the Gaddafi regime were also killed.  The revolutionaries captured the residential town of New Brega on Thursday.

Gaddafi’s forces still control the port, the oil terminal, and the refinery of Brega. The battle for the oil city has been raging for months.  Libya has been the scene of intense fighting between government troops and revolutionary forces since a revolution seeking to topple Gaddafi began in mid-February.

Over the past six months, forces loyal to Gaddafi have killed thousands of Libyan civilians.  In addition, NATO airstrikes have claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians since March.

NATO began bombing “military targets” in Libya on March 19, after the UN Security Council approved a resolution on March 17, authorizing force by whatever means necessary, with the exception of a ground invasion, to “protect civilians.”

The United States, France, and Britain say they will not stop their military operation until Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi is removed from power.  END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.