"Airstrikes in east as Nato debates no-fly zone "

"By RFI

Moamer Kadhafi's forces on Wednesday launched airstrikes on two rebel-held towns in the east of Libya, as Nato debated whether to enforce a no-fly zone over the country to prevent further attacks. Meanwhile the International Criminal Court prepared to name the people it says are responsible for possible crimes against humanity during the regime's crackdown on protesters.

Kadhafi's forces attacked the eastern oil port Brega early on Wednesday morning. Reports say they used tanks, heavy artillery and shells to seize the town's airport, oil terminal and university.

THE BATTLE FOR LIBYA
At least ten people were killed in the fighting, according to rebels.

Anti-regime forces eventually claimed to have repelled the soldiers, who are reported to have retreated 30 kilometres to the west of Brega.

But witnesses say they saw a fighter jet fire two missiles on rebels as they celebrated victory. No further casualties were reported.

There were reports of another airstrike on the nearby town of Ajdabiya, which is also in the hands of Kadhafi's opponents. The target was apparently a former army base seized by the rebels.

Meanwhile the Nato council met in Brussels to discuss a possible response to the crisis. The allies are preparing contingency plans in case the United Nations mandates military action, one diplomat told AFP news agency.

Britain and the US have suggested the allies could enforce a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent further airstrikes on civilians. Turkey opposes the use of military force, saying intervention should only be considered in the case of a direct attack on a Nato member.

France also expressed "reluctance" at Wednesday's meeting, though Foreign Minister Alain Juppé said that the Nato allies should continue preparing for a possible no-fly zone in case the UN approves it.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the White House was still "a long way" from ordering military intervention, including a no-fly zone.

Kadhafi has warned of a "bloodbath" if foreign powers intervene in Libya.

The International Criminal Court is opening a full investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during the unrest, ICC officials said on Wednesday.

Chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo will name the people to be investigated at a
press conference on Thursday. "
http://www.english.rfi.fr/africa/20110302-airstrikes-east-nato-debates-no-fly-zone