Reply #4: Gaddafi forces pull out of Zawiyah-rebel spokesman

[maddezmom]

Gaddafi forces pull out of Zawiyah-rebel spokesman
Sat Mar 5, 2011 9:30am GMT
Print | Single Page<-> Text <+> * Gaddafi forces flee centre of town - rebel spokesman
* Says government forces earlier fired high explosive rounds

* Says "many" killed, rebels capture two tanks

(Releads with rebels saying Gaddafi forces flee, pvs CAIRO)

By Maria Golovnina

TRIPOLI, March 5 (Reuters) - Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi withdrew from the centre of the western town of Zawiyah on Saturday after a fierce battle with rebels, a rebel spokesman said. "They entered Zawiyah at six in the morning with heavy forces, hundreds of soldiers with tanks. Our people fought back ...We have won for now and civilians are gathering in the square," Youssef Shagan told Reuters.

Shagan said earlier Gaddafi forces had fired high explosive rounds in the centre of the town, 50 km (30 miles) west of the capital Tripoli, and rebel forces had captured two tanks.

"We see many people, many residents fleeing. There is heavy fighting right now," Youssef Shagan said by telephone.

Rebel forces still controlled pockets of the city and captured two tanks from the army in a shootout on Saturday morning, he said. Continued...

more:http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE72402K20110305