Rebels gun down Gaddafi planes: source

Libyan rebels said they have gained significant ground on Misrata's bitterly contested Tripoli Street, following hours of fighting that had left several people dead or wounded. Photo: Reuters

Libyan rebels said they have gained significant ground on Misrata's bitterly contested Tripoli Street, following hours of fighting that had left several people dead or wounded. Photo: Reuters

Published Mar 17, 2011

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Libyan rebels on Thursday said they shot down two aircraft as forces loyal to strongman Muammar Gaddafi tried to bomb the opposition stronghold of Benghazi in the east of the country.

“The situation in Benghazi is calm. The Gaddafi forces tried to carry out an air raid on the city but our anti-aircraft defences repulsed the offensive and two planes were shot down,” a rebel spokesman told AFP.

However, a doctor in the city said only one plane was shot down.

“The situation is calm although some planes tried to bomb rebel positions in the city. The rebels shot down one of their planes (and it fell) in the suburbs,” the doctor said.

“We are gathered in the (central) square outside the courthouse and morale is high,” said the doctor, who spoke by telephone. -

Sapa-AFP

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