Libya: Civil War
Libya is caught up in the populist revolution sweeping North Africa and the Middle East. Muammar Gaddafi, dictator for 42 years, has responded with large scale force against protesters. His air force, however, seems reluctant to attack their own people, with pilots defecting or ejecting and allowing their planes to crash.
Numerous diplomats, ministers, and military officers have resigned or gone over to the rebellion. The eastern portion of the country, including the second largest city Benghazi, is firmly in the grip of armed rebel forces, who have expressed the intention of taking over the entire country. These forces are organizing, moving forward and exchanging fire with regime loyalists.
Gaddafi loyalist forces apparently continue to control the capital Tripoli, having crushed protests there. The UN, NATO, and nearby nations are discussing establishing a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent the use of military aircraft against civilians. To some extent, Gaddafi is relying on mercenaries from outside Libya.
Libya is an important exporter of oil to Europe, and oil prices have risen to the $100/barrel mark accordingly.
More Libya updates at CNN Live Blog.
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on Friday, February 25th, 2011 at 9:32 am and is filed under Revolution.
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