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Libya crisis: Pro-Gaddafi forces attack Misrata Libya crisis: Rebels seek to break out of Misrata
(40 minutes later)
Pro-Gaddafi troops have launched a fresh attack on the rebel-held city of Misrata in western Libya. Libyan rebels have sustained casualties during an attempt to break out of their western enclave of Misrata.
A BBC correspondent in the city said there had been rocket attacks. A spokesman for the rebels said 12 of their fighters had been killed. Pro-Gaddafi forces are reported to have killed 14 rebels who had surged towards the south, east, and west of the city.
Misrata has suffered heavy shelling since the conflict began in February. Misrata suffered intense bombardment until mid-May, when pro-Gaddafi forces were driven away by rebels.
The latest attack came as Nato intensified its campaign in Libya, and called for the international community to prepare for a post-Gaddafi era. The latest fighting comes as Nato intensifies its campaign in Libya, calling for the international community to prepare for a post-Gaddafi era.
Rebel spokesman Hassan al-Misrati told Reuters news agency from inside the city: "Gaddafi forces are shelling Misrata from three sides. Earlier a rebel spokesman had told Reuters news agency there had been a fresh government offensive on Misrata.
"He has sent thousands of troops from all sides and they are trying to enter the city." On Wednesday explosions could be heard to the east of the city as government forces responded with Grad rockets to the rebel offensive.
Misrata suffered intense bombardment until mid-May, when pro-Gaddafi forces were driven away from central parts of the port city. Rebel fighters told the BBC's David Loyn in Misrata that they had moved several miles forward of their eastern frontline.
The government has so far not commented on the latest attack. Field ambulances took a stream of casualties for treatment, and traffic built up around Misrata hospital as people responded to an appeal for blood donors, our correspondent adds.
The government has so far not commented on the latest violence.
Meanwhile, Nato ministers met in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss the alliance's nine-week campaign. Afterwards, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters that "real progress" had been made.Meanwhile, Nato ministers met in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss the alliance's nine-week campaign. Afterwards, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters that "real progress" had been made.
Nato action, he said, had "prevented a massacre" in Benghazi in the east - the rebels' stronghold - and in Misrata.Nato action, he said, had "prevented a massacre" in Benghazi in the east - the rebels' stronghold - and in Misrata.
He added that the UN and other international bodies should start preparing for a post-Gaddafi Libya. "The time to start planning is now," he said.He added that the UN and other international bodies should start preparing for a post-Gaddafi Libya. "The time to start planning is now," he said.