Jul 6, 2011 by Euronews
Libyan rebels have launched a major double-pronged offensive against forces loyal to the regime of Colonel Gaddafi in the biggest push for several weeks.
Hundreds of fighters have moved on two fronts to the south and east of Tripoli.
The assaults came as Gaddafi's government denied reports that he was looking for a deal under which he would step down.
Rebels are reported to have taken the strategic village of al-Qawalish, south of the capital Tripoli.
There was also a big push against government forces launched from Misrata.
Hundreds of fighters have moved on two fronts to the south and east of Tripoli.
The assaults came as Gaddafi's government denied reports that he was looking for a deal under which he would step down.
Rebels are reported to have taken the strategic village of al-Qawalish, south of the capital Tripoli.
There was also a big push against government forces launched from Misrata.
The rebels ran over Al-Qawalish, a town of about 4,000 residents 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Tripoli, a stronghold for Gadhafi since the start of the uprising in February.
Their attacks got under way around 7 a.m. from the north, the west and the south. On the western front, journalist David Adams said rebels were using Grad launchers, two Russian tanks and a number of other vehicles, rockets and guns.
The rebels captured the town around 2:30 p.m., entering from all three fronts, some having captured vehicles belonging to Gadhafi forces. Some rebel fighters could be seen breaking windows, shooting doors of houses and rummaging through families' belongings. Some said they were looking for weapons, but they appeared to be looting.
After they had lost control of the town, Gadhafi forces began shelling its periphery with Grad rockets. At least 12 government soldiers died, six were wounded and seven were captured, said Adams. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/07/06/libya.war/index.html