Rebels claim victory as Libyan troops retreat in Misrata; Gaddafi threatens reprisals to drone attacks; Kuwait recognises Transitional National Council (TNC) and donates money to Libyan rebels
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    • Reports noted that in a significant setback for Muammar Qadhafi’s forces, Libyan troops in Misrata has been ordered to retreat from the city, hastened by NATO air strikes. According to reports, Misrata, the last large city held by rebels in western Libya, has been under a punishing government siege for nearly two months and hundreds of civilians have died in the fighting.1

    According to the sources close to Col. Gaddafi, introduction of NATO ground forces into Libya would be met by additional Libyan forces made up of African volunteers. Gaddafi regime has repeatedly denied using African mercenaries in the battle against the rebels. But several African nationals have been captured by the rebels in the fighting near Misurata. However, the Africans’ identities, and their countries of origin, have not been made public by the rebel command.2

    Meanwhile, Kuwait has become the fourth country to recognize the Transitional National Council (TNC) of Libya as the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people, and donated a sum of €124 million to the Libyan people. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the emirate, Sheikh Mohammad al-Sabah announced Kuwait’s recognition to follow on the lines of France, Italy and Qatar. Kuwait’s decision follows closely on the Misurata residents’ appeal for help and the demonstrations in this rebel-held city in the west of the country. They have been urging greater intervention by coalition forces.3

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