Thursday, July 28, 2011

Libyan Rebels Attack Gadhafi Forces Near Tunisian Border

Rebels in western Libya have launched an offensive against leader Moammar Gadhafi's forces in a town near the Tunisian border.

The fighting is taking place in the town of Ghezaia, which Gadhafi's forces have used as a base to launch attacks on rebels in the region's mountains.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The fighting comes a day after the head of Libya's opposition council said the rebel group's offer for Gadhafi to remain in the country if he cedes power had expired.

Mustafa Abdel Jalil said Wednesday that the proposal, which was presented to a United Nations envoy about a month ago, had a deadline attached.

Libyan Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi has said Gadhafi's departure is not up for discussion.

The Libyan government has also condemned Britain's decision to recognize the opposition Transitional National Council and expel all of Libya's diplomats, calling the moves "illegal and irresponsible."

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Wednesday the decision is based on the opposition's increasing legitimacy, competency and success in reaching out to Libyans across the country.

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