Rebels: Gaddafi using cluster bombs
Libyan rebels claim pro-government forces using fragmentation bombs against civilians in western town of Misarta. Gaddafi's spokesman: We challenge them to prove it; Clinton: 'Worrying information'
Moammar Gaddafi's troops launched a powerful assault with tanks and rockets Friday on Misrata, the last major rebel city in western Libya, sending residents fleeing to increasingly crowded safe areas of the city that are still out of the Libyan leader's reach, witnesses said.
Rebels in Misrata alleged that Gaddafi's forces have been using cluster bombs, which pose particular risk to civilians because they scatter small bomblets over a wide area.
"Libyan government forces attacked the coastal city of Misrata with at least 100 Grad rockets early on Saturday," a rebel spokesman said.
"They fired Grads at an industrial area this morning, at least one hundred rockets were fired. No casualties are reported," Abdelbasset Abu Mzereiq told Reuters by telephone.
New York-based Human Rights Watch reported Friday that such munitions were used, saying its researchers inspected remnants and interviewed witnesses.
Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim denied the use of cluster bombs. "Absolutely not," he said when asked about the allegations. "We can never do this. We challenge them to prove it."
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said she was unaware of the reports about the use of cluster bombs.
"I have to say I am not surprised at anything that Col. Gaddafi and his forces do, but that is worrying information and it is one of the reasons why the fight in Misrata is so difficult," Clinton said.
"It is at close quarters, it is in amongst urban areas and it poses a lot of challenges to both NATO and to the opposition," she added.
An international aid group evacuated nearly 1,200 migrant workers from Misrata by boat Friday, saying nearly all were weak, were suffering from dehydration and needed medical attention.
The migrants are among 8,300 foreign laborers stranded near Misrata's port without shelter or adequate food and water, and the boat will quickly make a second run to rescue more, said the International Organization for Migration.
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