Clashes, Airstrikes Rip Libya
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Date: 3/4/2011 9:18:18 AM
Sender: VOA
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Clashes, Airstrikes Rip Libya
An anti-Gadhafi rebel next to an anti-aircraft gun during Friday prayers in a street in Benghazi, March 4, 2011
Libyan security forces have confronted protesters in the capital Tripoli, as a battle raged between the military and rebels in a key oil stronghold to the east.
Gunshots were heard in Tripoli Friday, near the site where several hundred anti-government protesters gathered. Witnesses said forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi fired tear gas at the protesters.
Clashes were also said to have erupted between pro and anti-Gadhafi forces in the the eastern oil port of Ras Lanuf.
Earlier Friday, Libyan warplanes carried out a third day of airstrikes - targeting a military base near the eastern rebel-held town of Ajdabiya. Rebels holding the base say there was no damage from the strikes. On Thursday, Libyan warplanes launched strikes against the rebel-held city of Brega, a key oil port.
Last Friday, thousands of opposition protesters amassed in cities including Benghazi, in eastern Libya, controlled by anti-Gadhafi forces. A week later, the streets of Benghazi were peaceful, though anti-government demonstrators roamed the streets denouncing Gadhafi.
Libya＇s unrest follows waves of demonstrations in other Middle Eastern and North African countries in recent weeks. Anti-government demonstrations have forced the long-time leaders of Tunisia and Egypt to step down. But Gadhafi has refused to budge, and the conflict in Libya has escalated.
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