Confusion Rife as Libyan Army Storms Town of Bani Walid

[Comrade Grumpy]

Last edited Fri Oct 19, 2012, 02:28 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: The Guardian

Confusion rife as Libyan army storms town of Bani Walid

Conflicting reports about fierce fighting which commanders claim is final battle against Muammar Gaddafi hardliners

Fierce fighting has raged in the town for two days, with the army reporting 44 wounded and five dead. There are no reliable casualty figures from inside Bani Walid itself.

"We started to enter Bani Walid, we are not far away from the centre," said army spokesman Mohammed al-Gandus. "There was a big battle between Bani Walid people and our army."

Army commanders on Thursday night portrayed the fighting as the final battle against Gaddafi hardliners, who they say have made the town their home, fearing arrest and execution if they are captured.

"A lot of people who supported Gaddafi are hiding now in Bani Walid. We have a list of names," said Gandus. "They are fighting very well because they know they are going to die soon."

<snip>

Much more at link.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/19/libyan-army-storms-bani-walild

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Libya's glorious revolution continues.

Bani Walid, home of the Warfari clan, has been outside of central government control since January, when residents rioted and pushed government forces out. It has been blockaded by the Misrata mob for the past few weeks.

The government in Tripoli doesn't seem to know what's going on. The army chief said he was considering attacking the town, apparently unaware that government troops were already doing so.

[Dokkie]

1. Now to wipe out

the rebels fighting against the govt. Someone please tell me how again this is any different from what Qaddafi was trying to do? Except for this time, the rebels are all Libya, secularists and fighting for true freedom.

Go Go Rebels Go

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

2. What's different?

These rebels don't have the cover of a NATO air force.

[Dokkie]

9. Not just that

They are also not salafist jihadist assholes hell bent on toppling another secular state. These people are home grown, genuine fighters trying to free their once beautiful country from western invaders.

Go Rebels Go

[Comrade Grumpy]

3. Is the Libyan army going to execute the defenders of Bani Walid?

"A lot of people who supported Gaddafi are hiding now in Bani Walid. We have a list of names," said Gandus. "They are fighting very well because they know they are going to die soon."

[bemildred]

4. Yep, I believe he will do what he said. nt

[dipsydoodle]

5. Oh

Reminds me of Animal Farm.

[bemildred]

6. Which is starting to remind me a lot of the Republican Party, now that I think about it.

"All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others."

Is that not exactly where we are now?

[dipsydoodle]

7. I was thinking more of

they couldn't tell the pigs from the humans.

[bemildred]

8. Rich with possibilities, it is.

Who is Squealer? Rove?

[dipsydoodle]

10. I meant in Libya

They're just as bad as each other.

[bemildred]

11. Yeah, I think that's going to go on and on, that one.

But I imagine the oil will flow.