Libya conflict: Rebels 'take' key Zawiya oil refinery

Gerald · 08-18-11, 08:53 AM

An oil refinery outside the Libyan town of Zawiya, just 50km (30 miles) west of Tripoli, has been taken by opposition forces, according to reports.

A Reuters news agency reporter said rebels were in the complex and there was no sign of pro-Gaddafi troops.

If confirmed, it would be both a strategic and psychological blow to Colonel Gaddafi's supporters, the BBC's Matthew Price in Tripoli says.

Pro-Gaddafi forces have lost territory to the rebels in recent days.

The oil refinery outside Zawiya has been a strategic target of the opposition forces for some time, our correspondent says.

Rebel fighter Abdulkarim Kashaba said on Wednesday that they had taken "control [of] the gates of the refinery" and were planning an assault.

Heavy gunfire could be heard after rebels in cars loaded with large-calibre ammunition sped towards the refinery.

The Reuters reporter at the scene said on Thursday that small groups of rebel fighters had now occupied the oil terminal, and there was no sign of Col Gaddafi's forces.

Although much of the fuel used by the Libyan army is smuggled across the border from Tunisia and Algeria, the refinery provides supplies for the capital Tripoli, our correspondent says.

Rebels also appear to be consolidating their gains in Zawiya itself, and the Libyan army is clearly on the back foot, he adds.

Our correspondent notes that although the government is insisting it will fight back, there is a distinct nervousness among some government employees that has not been seen before.

Control of Zawiya is seen as important because it straddles a major road linking Tripoli to Tunisia.

If opposition forces could maintain control of the town, they would have Tripoli surrounded by land, with Nato - which has been enforcing a UN-mandated no-fly zone to protect civilians since March - blocking sea access.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14575444

Note: 18 August 2011 Last updated at 12:03 GMT

Dowly · 08-18-11, 09:05 AM

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Example from Neal:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

Glad to see this resolved. I agree, only a paragraph or two should be copied, with a link to the source.

Quote:

Does the subtle hint of coffee make you more likely to buy a cup? Does the aroma of piña colada cause parents to linger in toy shops? Christopher White gets a sniff of the companies using scents to sell.

The smell of commerce: How companies use scents to sell their products

Gerald · 08-18-11, 09:41 AM

Thanks, I can do ... but I am well aware of the rights of each writer, shorten the text, no problem at all, thanks for your reflection,

Gerald · 08-18-11, 01:19 PM

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14575444

Note: Update Record, 18 August 2011 Last updated at 16:21 GMT

08-18-11, 08:53 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Libya conflict: Rebels 'take' key Zawiya oil refinery An oil refinery outside the Libyan town of Zawiya, just 50km (30 miles) west of Tripoli, has been taken by opposition forces, according to reports. A Reuters news agency reporter said rebels were in the complex and there was no sign of pro-Gaddafi troops. If confirmed, it would be both a strategic and psychological blow to Colonel Gaddafi's supporters, the BBC's Matthew Price in Tripoli says. Pro-Gaddafi forces have lost territory to the rebels in recent days. The oil refinery outside Zawiya has been a strategic target of the opposition forces for some time, our correspondent says. Rebel fighter Abdulkarim Kashaba said on Wednesday that they had taken "control [of] the gates of the refinery" and were planning an assault. Heavy gunfire could be heard after rebels in cars loaded with large-calibre ammunition sped towards the refinery. The Reuters reporter at the scene said on Thursday that small groups of rebel fighters had now occupied the oil terminal, and there was no sign of Col Gaddafi's forces. Although much of the fuel used by the Libyan army is smuggled across the border from Tunisia and Algeria, the refinery provides supplies for the capital Tripoli, our correspondent says. Rebels also appear to be consolidating their gains in Zawiya itself, and the Libyan army is clearly on the back foot, he adds. Our correspondent notes that although the government is insisting it will fight back, there is a distinct nervousness among some government employees that has not been seen before. Control of Zawiya is seen as important because it straddles a major road linking Tripoli to Tunisia. If opposition forces could maintain control of the town, they would have Tripoli surrounded by land, with Nato - which has been enforcing a UN-mandated no-fly zone to protect civilians since March - blocking sea access. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14575444 Note: 18 August 2011 Last updated at 12:03 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

08-18-11, 09:41 AM	#3
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Thanks, I can do ... but I am well aware of the rights of each writer, shorten the text, no problem at all, thanks for your reflection, __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

08-18-11, 01:19 PM	#4
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Libya conflict: Rebels capture key Zawiya oil refinery http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14575444 Note: Update Record, 18 August 2011 Last updated at 16:21 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie