At least 30 killed in Libya as Gadhafi forces fight to take back rebel-held town

Libyan government spokesman says they hope to regain control of rebel-held Zawiyah, which they shelled earlier in day; Interpol delivers global 'Orange Notice' for Gadhafi and inner circle.

The Libyan army staged a prolonged artillery barrage on the city of Zawiyah, west of Tripoli, on Thursday, with residents saying more than 30 people have been killed. Among the dead was the town's rebel commander.

The rebellion in Zawiyah -- the closest rebel-held territory to the capital and also the site of an oil refinery -- has been an embarrassment to the authorities who are trying to show they control at least the west of the country.

"There has been heavy shelling of Zawiyah by (Muammar) Gadhafi's forces and we are hearing of many casualties," Mustafa Gheriani, a spokesman for the rebel February 17th Coalition, said.


[link to www.haaretz.com]