Libya Rebels Claim Control of Zawiyah after Taking Hospital
Libyan rebels on Friday claimed to control the strategic town Zawiyah and its key refinery after seizing the hospital, an Agence France Presse journalist said.
"Zawiyah is free," said rebels as they took up positions in the hospital hours after pounding the center of the town, which is the last major barrier before the rebels can think about advancing on Tripoli from the west.
Hundreds of rebels armed with assault rifles marched from the central square, a stronghold of forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi, onto the hospital, which was decorated with green flags and portraits of the veteran leader.
Rebels also held Zawiyah's refinery, which is the only one in western Libya and vital to the Gadhafi regime, as it supplies fuel to Tripoli.
Source: Agence France Presse
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