Libya: Fighting In Various Regions

Clashes are reported in Al Zawiyah to Misurata, with tension and uncertainty in the Cirenaica region controlled by the anti-government forces, MISNA reports, adding the Libyan crisis remains unpredictable despite the international isolation of Muammar Qadhafi.

Reports of fighting have been arriving since last night from Al Zawiyah, 50km west of Tripoli and strategic due to its oil refineries. Residents in the area say there is a strong offensive by units loyal to Qadhafi, which are advancing from both the east and west.

Based on other testimonies, the Libyan leader contacted a local tribal leader, Mohammed al-Maktouf, threatening a military escalation if the anti-government forces didn’t withdraw.

Clashes have been reported since last night also in Misurata, 200km east of the capital and a population of half a million.

Various witnesses spoke of a battle for control of a military base.

Uncertainty and apprehension are gripping Tripoli controlled by Qadhafi and the cities controlled by the “front”, reports MISNA.

From the Bengasi Port, capital of Cirenaica and seat of the National Committee set up in the past days by the opposition front, MISNA missionary sources report an exodus of thousands of Asian oil industry workers.

“A group of 1,700 Filipinos, the most vulnerable along with Indians and Pakistanis, will be boarding a Greek ship today”, said a missionary who assists migrants.