Libya commander says 10 killed in oil port attacks

[September 12, 2011]  TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) -- A commander for revolutionary forces in Libya says at least 10 suspected Moammar Gadhafi loyalists have been killed after twin attacks on a key oil refinery.

The incidents suggest pro-Gadhafi groups are still capable of fighting back despite losing control of nearly all the country to opposition fighters.

Col. Hamid al-Hasi, the commander for anti-Gadhafi force in eastern Libya, says a group of 15 employees set fire Monday to the coastal oil facility at Ras Lanuf, about 380 miles (615 kilometers) southeast of Tripoli. He says five of the saboteurs were killed and the rest arrested.

In a separate attack, the port came under attack by armed men in four vehicles. Al-Hasi says at least five of the attackers were killed.

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THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
AP's earlier story is below.

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WADI DINAR, Libya (AP) -- Dozens of cars loaded with Libyan families and personal belongings are streaming out of the key loyalist stronghold of Bani Walid in anticipation of an assault on the town by revolutionary forces.

Former rebels have been battling Gadhafi supporters in Bani Walid since Friday and have captured most of the northern half of the town, some 90 miles (140 kilometers) southeast of Tripoli.

But Gadhafi supporters have put up fierce resistance, fighting former rebels in the streets.

Resident Fadila Salim was driving out of Bani Walid Monday because she was told "the fighting will be very bad."

Her son, Mohammed Ibrahim, says there is no electricity, no water and shops are running out of food. He says many are "stuck in their houses and afraid to leave."

[Associated Press]

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