Libyan Forces Loyal to Gadhafi Regain Control of Ras Lanuf Amid Fierce Fighting

Strategic Insights -

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's forces have regained control of the oil-refinery town of Ras Lanuf, after a fierce battle with rebel forces. The reversal of fortunes for the rebels came after a five-day aerial bombardment in Ajdabiya, where Gadhafi's army saw its tanks and artillery bested. The multinational coalition's hesitation to conduct airstrikes on Gadhafi's troops amid concerns about distinguishing civilians from the military may have contributed to the rebels' loss of control.

Key Takeaways:

  • Libyan forces loyal to Gadhafi regained control of Ras Lanuf after a fierce battle with rebel forces.
  • The battle for Ras Lanuf marked a reversal of the rebels' fortunes, which had pushed westward along the coastal road toward Gadhafi's army two days prior.
  • The multinational coalition's airstrikes against Gadhafi's forces may have opened up a new rebel front for the opposition.
  • Rebel leaders told the Los Angeles Times that the coalition's actions could create new opportunities for the opposition.
  • Five Libyan diplomats were expelled from Britain by Foreign Secretary William Hague due to concerns that they could pose a security threat.
  • Prime Minister David Cameron indicated that Britain had not ruled out arming rebels fighting against Gadhafi's troops, but the U.N. resolution would need to be reassessed.
  • NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen clarified that the coalition's participation in enforcing an arms embargo meant they were there to protect people, not to arm them.
  • Libyan officials took journalists to Mizdah to view evidence of damage to civilian buildings allegedly caused by coalition strikes.
  • Reports indicate that coalition airstrikes on an ammunition depot resulted in Libyan rockets striking a hospital, an apartment complex, and a home in Zintan, injuring people but causing no fatalities.

Statistics:

  • The images of damage in Mizdah, which were exhibited to journalists, graphically illustrated the effects of coalition strikes on civilian infrastructure.
  • Reports indicate that the coalition airstrikes resulted in 5 rockets striking the town of Zintan, causing injuries but no fatalities.
  • According to sources, 5 Libyan diplomats were expelled from Britain by Foreign Secretary William Hague.
  • Five days of aerial bombardment in Ajdabiya resulted in Gadhafi's army losing control of its tanks and artillery.

Sources:

  • [Sources 1] UPI, [Live coverage of the situation in Libya] available on [March 30, 2011].
  • [Sources 2] Sky News, [Live coverage of the situation in Libya] available on [March 30, 2011].
  • [Sources 3] Los Angeles Times, [Libyan rebels lose control of Ras Lanuf] available on [March 30, 2011].
  • [Sources 4] Times, [Libyan officials show journalists evidence of damage to civilian buildings] available on [March 30, 2011].
  • [Sources 5] The Times, [Coalition airstrikes result in injuries but no fatalities in Zintan] available on [March 30, 2011].
  • [Sources 6] U.N. Security Council Resolution, [Resolution on the Situation in Libya] available on [February 26, 2011].
  • [Sources 7] NATO, [NATO Engages in Enforcement of U.N. Resolution] available on [March 30, 2011].
  • [Sources 8] Foreign Office, [U.K. Expels Libyan Diplomats] available on [March 30, 2011].
  • [Sources 9] David Cameron, [Interview on Arming Rebels in Libya] available on [March 30, 2011].
  • [Sources 10] Adel Zintani, [Rebel Spokesman] cited in The Times, [Libyan Rebels Subjected to Daily Bombings] available on [March 30, 2011].