http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/af...ict/index.html

Libyan military bombs area controlled by opposition

By the CNN Wire Staff
March 2, 2011 -- Updated 1443 GMT (2243 HKT)


Gadhafi: Libyan power is people's

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- Libyan military aircraft flew over a section of eastern Libya Wednesday, dropping two bombs on an area largely controlled by the opposition.

A CNN crew saw the bombings. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The battle in the area of al-Brega, which has key oil and natural gas facilities, came as leader Moammar Gadhafi tried to regain control.

Earlier Wednesday, military aircraft bombed military camps on the outskirts of the town of Ajdabiya, a tribal leader said.

The tribal leader, who did not want to be identified for safety reasons, said youth in Ajdabiya were amassing and heading toward the conflict area to help defend the town, which has been in the control of opposition forces in recent days. Some military bases in eastern Libya have fallen into the hands of protesters as more members of the military have abandoned Gadhafi's regime and joined demonstrations.

The aerial bombings could support calls by some in the opposition for the United States and international groups, such as the United Nations, to impose a no-fly zone over the country, preventing Gadhafi from using aerial attacks. The United States has said all options are on the table. Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said imposing a no-fly zone would be "an extraordinarily complex operation."

The Arab League met Wednesday to consider a resolution rejecting foreign military intervention in Libya, where protesters have been demonstrating for weeks, calling for more freedoms and for the longtime ruler to step down.

As Gadhafi's forces launched their aerial attacks, the 68-year-old leader warned that "thousands and thousands of people will be killed" if the United States or NATO "intervene in our country."

(more at the link, long report)