On the cusp of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, poorly armed rebels seem unlikely to quickly unseat Gaddafi.
On the cusp of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, poorly armed rebels seem unlikely to quickly unseat Gaddafi. The rebels declared advances this week but they also suffered losses near Misrata and in fighting for Brega. Thursday rebels said minefields slowed their advance on Brega -- which they had earlier claimed to have all but captured -- but they had pushed closer to Zlitan, on the Mediterranean coast 160 km (100 miles) east of Tripoli. It was relatively quiet on the western front near Zlitan on Sunday, with some sporadic fire from Gaddafi's forces. Most rebels were taking shelter from the sun. The main hospital in Misrata said one man had been killed and five wounded. "We are holding this position and waiting to move forward. God willing, it will be soon," said Salim, a 21-year-old student and rebel volunteer. Britain's Pope said RAF jets on patrol near Zlitan successfully struck four buildings Saturday, which NATO surveillance had identified as command and control centres and staging posts, as well as hitting an ammunition stockpile. Apache helicopters also struck a number of military positions between Zlitan and Khums, he said. Zlitan is the largest city between rebel-held Misrata and the capital Tripoli and remains in Gaddafi's control. Were the rebels to take Zlitan, attention would turn to Khums, the next large town on the coastal road to the capital.
