Libyan rebels say airstrike killed 13 of their own

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By BEN HUBBARD and RYAN LUCAS

BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) - A NATO airstrike intended to thwart Moammar Gadhafi's forces killed 13 rebel fighters in eastern Libya instead, the opposition said Saturday, but they described it as an "unfortunate accident" and stressed it did not diminish their support for the international air campaign.

The rebels' response to the attack - blaming it on a mistake within their ranks - highlighted their heavy dependence on the international air campaign as they face the superior military power of the longtime Libyan leader. The misfire also showed the challenges the coalition faces in identifying targets without coordination with forces on the ground.

"As regrettable as it may be, we understand that we might have to give up lives for the greater good. We have to look at the bigger picture," opposition spokesman Mustafa Gheriani said. "This is a war and the lines are so fluid going back and forth, so it's natural that mistakes will happen."

The slain fighters were hit Friday night as they moved forward, attempting to take back the oil city of Brega, while airstrikes were in progress. Seven fighters were injured. Another opposition spokesman, Abdel-Hafidh Ghoga, said it was an example of the lack of coordination in the ranks that has proven a key obstacle to victory over the more organized Libyan military.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20110402/D9MBPRSG0.html

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Libyan rebels pray near the a graves of their fellow rebels who were allegedly killed in a NATO coalition airstrike overnight at the front line near Brega, Libya, Saturday, April 2, 2011 (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)