Rebels Launch New Offensive

Libya rebels on Sunday tried to seize the western city of Zintan from troops loyal to Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi, only days after NATO’s most intense bombing since airstrikes began 11 weeks ago. Gaddafi’s troops fought the rebels off with heavy weaponry—despite seeming to be almost cornered at one point. This latest fighting comes as rebels launched new assaults elsewhere, including fighting their way back into the major oil port city of Zawiyah on Saturday, forcing Gaddafi's troops to shut down the vital coastal highway that leads into neighboring Tunisia. Gaddafi's forces also shelled the rebel-held city of Misrata on Wednesday, while a NATO official confirmed earlier this week that Gaddafi is the official target of the offensive.