Libyan rebels on the run
LIBYAN insurgents and civilians stampeded out of Ajdabiya overnight on rumours that loyalist forces were outside the eastern town, hours after an air strike tore into the rebels' defences. The panicked flight came as a top American general said it was unlikely the rebel forces could launch an assault on Tripoli and oust Muammar Gaddafi, while France confidently predicted the strongman's downfall.
Families packed into cars and trucks joined rebel military vehicles in a charge northeast towards the insurgent stronghold of Benghazi, some 160 kilometres away, AFP correspondents said. The administrator of the hospital in Ajdabiya said many civilians fled in panic because of the unconfirmed rumours of advancing Gaddafi forces, but that the rumours were unfounded. Four journalists were reported missing in east Libya, while 26 foreign reporters were expelled from Tripoli and Microsoft said it was seeking the release by the Libyan authorities of its country manager.
LA Times: No apology but NATO statement of regret after airstrike hits rebels
Voice of Russia: Gaddafi troops seize Ajdabiya
Oriental Review: The Last Victory of Muammar Gaddafi [Mar 9, 2011]