Global General

13 Libyan rebels killed in NATO-led airstrike

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-04-03 11:24

A B-1B Lancer strategic bomber takes off from Ellsworth Air Force Base, in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya, in this US Air Force handout photo dated March 27, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

TRIPOLI - Thirteen rebels were killed in an air strike by the NATO-led coalition forces near Brega in eastern Libya, Qatari broadcaster Al-Jazeera reported Saturday, quoting rebel fighters.

Several rebels were also wounded when NATO planes dropped bombs on a rebel convoy near the eastern entrance of the oil port by mistake, the report said.

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The rebels were at that time trying to recapture Brega which was earlier retaken by the Libyan government forces.

The friendly fire accident has not yet been confirmed by NATO. In Brussels, a NATO spokesman said the coalition forces were looking into the reports.

The Western military alliance took over from the United States the responsibility of overseeing military operations against Libya Thursday.

Al-Jazeera also reported that US and Egyptian special forces were training Libyan fighters in eastern Libya and high grade weapons, including rockets, were being supplied to rebels from abroad.

In Tripoli, a crowd of local residents gathered outside the United Nations office to show support for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, carrying Gaddafi posters and shouting slogans against the NATO-led airstrikes.

Some furious protesters set fire to posters of US President Barack Obama.