UK to give ‘military advice’ to Libyan rebels

Britain says military experts will join its diplomatic team in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

libya

In Libya fighting appears to have reached a stalemate with neither side able to make significant gains.

In the east, opposition forces have been trying to push further towards government strongholds. In the west their only stronghold of Misurata is under constant attack by troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.

Close-combat fighting takes place between the rebels and Gaddafi’s forces, and opposition fighters appear capable of winning those battles. But NATO military commanders concede they are unable to prevent government troops shelling Misurata.

Ajdabiya, in the east, is now under the control of anti-government forces, and several of Gaddafi’s fighters have surrendered near the town.

The opposition National Council is on a diplomatic offensive as well. They met Italy’s foreign minister in Rome on Tuesday.

Franco Frattini says the safety of the Libyan population remains a top priority. And Britain has announced that it will add military advisors to its diplomatic team in the opposition stronghold of Benghazi.

Al Jazeera’s Laurence Lee reports from London.

Source: Al Jazeera