Libyan forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have retaken Misurata, a key city, amidst ongoing clashes with anti-government protesters. The conflict has seen significant casualties and continued bombardment in other rebel-held areas.
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s forces Thursday recaptured the country’s third largest city of Misurata, Xinhua reported, citing state TV.
On Wednesday, 11 people were reportedly killed in clashes between anti-government protesters and Gaddafi’s forces in Misurata, 150 km from Tripoli.
Meanwhile, government troops bombarded Benina airport, about 10 km south of the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, Libya’s second largest city, Al Jazeera said.
Libya has been rocked by protests since Feb 14. Protesters are demanding the ouster of Gaddafi, who has ruled the country for over 42 years. According to one estimate, over 6,000 people have died in the clashes.