Libyan rebels appear to have taken the initiative in the western Libya but Moamer Gaddafi forces are regrouping and rearming, NATO said Thursday, on day two of an opposition offensive. Rebel and regime forces have fought in and around the western towns of Kikla, Nalut, Zintan and Yefren, all of which are under the control of the opposition, said Wing Commander Mike Bracken.
“Anti-Gaddafi forces look to have the initiative and are able to launch successful attacks against pro-Gaddafi forces,” Bracken said via videolink from the NATO operation’s headquarters in Naples, Italy. “Progress is significant and NATO will see this mission through,” he said.
“Our measurement of success is the removal of threats to the Libyan people.” NATO warplanes have destroyed more than 60 regime military targets in the western Berber highlands and Nafusa mountains over the past week, he said.
