Qaddafi Forces Launch Counterattack, Surround Zawiya

Forces loyal to Libyan dictator Muommar Qaddafi have launched a counterattack against anti-government rebels. The rebels, which now have an interim government, had taken the city of Zawiya, around 30 miles from Tripoli. Now it appears that the pro-regime militia has surrounded the city and intend to push back.

The number of pro-Qaddafi forces are estimated at 2,000.

"We will do our best to fight them off. They will attack soon," said a former police major who switched sides and joined the rebellion. "If we are fighting for freedom, we are ready to die for it."

This could be the defining moment of the struggle. If Qaddafi's forces fail, then his aides may see the futility in a protracted fight and kill him or force him into exile. Before then, the regime won't go quietly.

Cross posted at World Threats.


Please bookmark!