Send to Kindle
Civilians pour out of the Libyan town of Bani Walid fearful of new fighting between Gaddafi forces and besieging government troops. Many remain trapped inside the desert town, 180 km southeast of Tripoli. EPA/BGNES
Libyan rebel forces have pulled back "in chaos" from the town of Bani Walid Friday night, after fierce fighting for several hours at one of the last remaining strongholds of fugitive dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
While short of suffering an outright defeat at Bani Walid, the fighters of the Libyan Transitional National Council have achieved "inconclusive" results in their attempt to take over the city, and Gaddafi loyalists continued to shell their positions, Al Jazeera reported.
The rebel forces are said to be in need of regrouping after being faced with a stiff resistence.
Earlier on Friday, rebel fighters from Misrata started an attack on the city, with some reports suggesting that there are opposition fighters inside the town.
International media reports said initially that the rebels have managed to break into Bani Walid's defenses but were fended off.
In the east of Bani Walid, rebel forces have already penetrated parts of Sirte, Gaddafi's hometown and major bastion.
Rebels, led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made significant advances toward the city of Homs in central Syria
Syrian rebels, including Islamist-led factions, have launched a major offensive against government forces, advancing towards Hama after capturing significant territory in the northwest, including Aleppo
Syrian rebels intensified their offensive against the Assad regime, advancing toward Hama City and capturing over 20 towns and villages in the surrounding areas
Rebels in Syria have continued their swift advance, capturing key areas, including much of Aleppo in the north and making significant gains in the south.
In a surprise operation launched earlier this week, Syrian rebel groups have rapidly advanced towards Aleppo city
Syrian rebels launched a surprise offensive against government positions in northwest Syria on Wednesday
As of January 1, 2025, the population of the European Union reached 450.4 million people
US President Donald Trump is set to authorize weapons shipments to Ukraine using the Presidential Drawdown Authority, marking his first direct military aid package to Kyiv since his return to office
The United Nations sounded the alarm on Thursday over a steep rise in civilian casualties in Ukraine and worsening living conditions for millions of children, amid an escalation of Russian attacks using drones and long-range missiles
President Donald Trump intensified his confrontational trade agenda late Thursday by announcing a proposed 35% tariff on Canadian imports
The U.S. Department of Justice has publicly denied the existence of any so-called "client list" connected to Jeffrey Epstein
The European Parliament has rejected a motion of no confidence against the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen
Borderless Bulgaria: How Schengen Benefits Are Transforming Trade and Logistics
Bulgaria's Mortality Rate Remains Highest in Europe
