26 March 2011
Libyan rebels said they had recaptured the strategic oil town of Ajdabiya on Saturday, after a barrage of Western air strikes ousted forces loyal to leader Moamer Kadhafi. Rebels are now pushing west past Brega, and have Ras Lanuf in sight.
Defensive positions previously held by pro-Kadhafi forces stood deserted on Saturday morning as jubilant rebels moved into the town.
On Thursday and Friday, coalition warplanes struck Kadhafi’s forces in Ajdabiya, boosting rebel efforts to recapture the city.
Ajdabiya is the first town to have fallen back into rebel hands since the strikes began on 19 March. Its residents have accused Kadhafi loyalists of brutalising the population before they were forced out.
Rebels on Saturday hailed the fall of Ajdabiya as the first step towards recapturing several eastern towns – notably Brega and Ras Lanuf.
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Libya: Opposition Forces Report Capture of Ajdabiya