Susan Lindauer - Libya: Gadhaffi Retakes Key Towns
Breaking News: Gadhaffi Retakes Key Towns
By Susan Lindauer and Joanne MoriartyIs Gadhaffi losing? Au contraire. In total contradiction to the propaganda push on CNN, sources inside Libya say Gadhaffi soldiers have retaken a number of key towns.
In a surprise announcement, sources inside Libya say that most of Misurata has been taken back by Libyan forces last night and today. In the process, Gadhaffi soldiers have liberated 1250+ Libyan prisoners of war. According to tribal leaders, Libyan forces now control the port city.
Tribal leaders also declare that Zawia, Garyan, Sorman, and Sabratha are secure, in contrast to claims by foreign reporters in Tripoli and Djerba (Tunisia) that they have been seized by rebels. There are pockets of rebels in all of these areas, but they are isolated and surrounded by the Libyan army. Tribal families are fighting with Gadhaffi's army to defeat the Rebels.
Whereas Gadhaffi had made an offer to slow down fighting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, in a semi-cease fire, in fact Gadhaffi's soldiers are fighting in full force. The Libyan army is fully motivated, and sources inside Tripoli say there is also an "electronic army of young people, who are computer experts." They are mobilizing to track Rebel communications and positions, in a parallel competition with U.S. high tech surveillance from the sea.
Sources in Tripoli have thrown into question the
defection of Nassr al-Mabrouk, the Deputy Interior Minister
appeared alive and well on Libyan TV today. He
apparently
went to Egypt for some surgery. In the
interview, he reaffirmed his loyalty to Ghadafi. Claims of
his defection are being compared to phony U.S./NATO claims
of the assassination of Gadhaffi's son last week.
There's
much talk that Khalifa Hefter was captured by Libyan forces.
This would be a
big blow to the rebels and the TNC in the
light of the death of Younis (rebel lead commander) who was
killed by rebels working for al Qaeda. Khalifa Hefter was
working as a CIA agent for some 20 years in Virginia, before
the War started The U.S. dropped him into Libya to help lead
the TNC and direct mercenaries on the ground.
Claims by CNN to the contrary, sources inside Libya insist that NATO is not winning and will not win. They say the Libyan people have shown tremendous solidarity, ironically instigated by NATO.
Susan Lindauer covered the Libya House at the United Nations from 1995 to 2003, and spearheading negotiations for the Lockerbie Trial. She is the author of "Extreme Prejudice: The Terrifying Story of the Patriot Act and the Cover Ups of 9/11 and Iraq."