CNN: Libyan rebels claim victory in Zawiya, gain control of Ras Lanuf

[pinboy3niner]

Libyan rebels claim victory in Zawiya, gain control of Ras Lanuf

By the CNN Wire Staff
March 5, 2011 7:15 a.m. EST

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) --

<snip>

But rebel fighters celebrated in Zawiya's Martyrs' Square on Saturday after pro-Gadhafi crews withdrew and returned to their former positions on the outskirts of the city following intense clashes, according to a witness who is serving as a spokesman for the rebels. He reported heavy gunfire and mortar shells during the fighting.

<snip>

Earlier Saturday, pro-Gadhafi forces entered a residential area in Zawiya and shot live ammunition and automatic weapons on residents in the streets, the spokesman said. The sounds of automatic weapon fire and people yelling could be heard during a telephone interview with the witness.

Control over Zawiya, about 48 kilometers west of the capital city of Tripoli, has been contested in recent days.

Meanwhile, in eastern Libya, rebels captured the strategic oil town of Ras Lanuf on Saturday -- one day after pro-Gadhafi forces fought with opposition members there, rebel fighters and commanders said. Opposition members said they were preparing to head west to Sirt, Gadhafi's birthplace.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/05/libya.conflict/index.html

[pinboy3niner]

1. News now of Azawiya sustaining another wave of #G attacks >>>

iyad_elbaghdadi Iyad El-Baghdadi
News now of Azawiya sustaining another wave of #Gaddafi attacks as we speak. Some 20 tanks and 50 4x4's. #Libya
1 hour ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Azawiya is very low on supplies, especially medicines & children's food.

Thanks @dadlani for the question; Abdallah Senussi has disappeared since he was replaced as Intel Chief last week by Gaddafi.

Abdullah Senussi's disappearance seems fishy; he was one of the regime's "pillars"

More fishy: Abdullah Senussi's "replacement" came a day after a 20-minute live gunfire incident within Bab al Azizia, last week.

@habibstah They're unarmed and the clamp down has been extremely severe. They need some guns.

Aljazeera live call from Azawiya: At least 8 of #Gaddafi's troops killed and three captured so far.

Aljazeera live call from Azawiya: "We are low on supplies & ammo but our spirits and morale are very high."

There are now additional reports that on the eastern front, revolutionaries have progressed to and taken Bin Jawad.

Aljazeera live call from Azawiya: We call upon our brothers in the tribes of Sorman, Bani Walid and Tarhouna, where are you?

Aljazeera live call from Azawiya: "Live with dignity or die with dignity, but do not sit in your homes." #Libya
1 hour ago Favorite Retweet Reply