TRIPOLI (Reuters), March 9, 2011-Pro Muammar Gaddafi Libyan forces hit closed on rebels in the western city of Zawiyah. According to a resident and a rebel fighter, they were surrounded with tanks and snipers in the main square.
“There were tanks and snipers everywhere,” said by a rebel fighter by phone from inside Zawiyah.
A resident also said that, the situation is not doing well and it is very scary.
The counter-offensive done by the loyalist s of Gaddafi has halted a rebel advance in the east while the others left stranded in the western cities of Zawiyah and Misrata. In this state of calamity, the international community is still hesitant on how to respond to the crisis in Libya.
Hillary Clinton, U.S State Secretary clears that Washington really believes that it is a matter for the United Nations and should not only be a U.S. led initiative to impose a no-fly zone.
Gaddafi forces were in control not only of the main road but also of the suburbs, a rebel fighter in Zawiyah named Ibrahim said. He added that, rebel forces are still in control of the square and the enemy was about 1, 500 meters (yards) away.
There were army snipers on top of most of the buildings, and shoots without any hesitations anyone dared to leave their homes, Ibrahim said.
Ibrahim also describes Zawiyah as a deserted place. Many dead people but they can’t even bury them. No one on streets, no animals and even birds were can’t be seen in the sky.
There is a prevention of foreign reporters to enter Zawiyah, 50 km (30 miles) west of Tripoli same with other nearer cities without an official escort.
President Barack Obama has faced a lot of criticism for being cautious in the situation. Crisis increased pressure on foreign governments to act regarding this . The rising of casualties and threats of hunger are really undeniable but may were fearful of moving from sanctions alone to military action.
Clinton told Sky News. “We want to see the international community support it (a no-fly zone),” and
“I think it’s very important that this not be a U.S.-led effort.” She added.