Rebel forces retreat from Ras Lanuf

[muriel_volestrangler]

Source: Al Jazeera

Opposition fighters have been forced to withdraw from the central port city of Ras Lanuf as forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi launched a major offensive against rebels fighting to end the Libyan leader's decades-long rule.

Pro- and anti-government forces are locked in intense fighting for control of several other cities and towns along the coastline to the east of Tripoli, including Brega and Bin Jawad, as well as in Az Zawiyah to the west of the capital

Rebel forces in the port city of Ras Lanuf, which is the site of a key oil installation, are now retreating from their positions and heading further east.

Opposition fighters were seen trooping into cars and trucks by the hundreds and fleeing eastwards, after coming under intense mortar and rocket fire, as well as aerial bombardment earlier in the day.

Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201131041228856242.html

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Also:

In the west, an intense battle for control of Zawiyah, a prosperous dormitory town 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of Tripoli, ended in victory for Kadhafi's forces on Wednesday night, a number of sources said on Thursday.

"The town is now under the army's control," said a resident by telephone.

"The fighting ended last night. Today the situation is calm. I'm taking the opportunity to leave the town with my family. I'm heading for Jedayem," he added, referring to a village three kilometres (about two miles) west.

The town had been under assault for several days by artillery and tanks.

http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/kadhafis-forces-have-rebels-retreat-7

Gaddafi's forces have gained a lot of ground in the last 24 hours.