Battle for Misrata Intensifies

In the face of continuing heavy bombardment, rebels in Libya appear to have gained ground against Gadhafi’s forces in the city of Misrata, where fighting has raged for more than two months. –JCL

Al-Jazeera English:

Hundreds of Libyan are fleeing the besieged western city of Misurata, which has been battered by days of fighting between opposition and pro-government forces.

Reports say the surge in fighting has left at least 36 people dead and more than 100 others critically wounded, even though forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, the long-serving Libyan ruler, appeared to have given up more ground inside Misurata.

Al Jazeera’s Andrew Simmons, reporting from the city on Sunday, said that the attacks are intensifying.

“It is an anarchic warfare situation … yes they [Gaddafi’s forces] did pull back, [but] was it a measure militarily designed to give them the advantage later on? Yes, possibly.

“They are now launching the biggest barrage since this whole conflict started, across the whole population, civilians included.”

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