Libyan Rebels Push West To Capture Brega

Source: Sky News

5:05pm UK, Saturday March 26, 2011 | Sam Kiley, in Brega, and Emma Hurd, in Ajdabiyah

Libya's rebels have captured the towns of Brega and Ajdabiyah from forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi after advancing about 80 miles in just 24 hours.

The rebels were delighted, firing into the air and celebrating on the burnt-out tanks of Gaddafi's forces.

Just 1.5 miles outside Brega they were mustering to try and make another attack further south.

On the road down from Ajdabiyah to Brega were trailers fill of ammunition, tanks, Stalin's Organs (multiple rocket launchers) and other equipment destroyed by coalition airstrikes.

Read more: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Video-Libyan-Rebels-Retake-Brega-And-Ajdabiyah-After-Gaddafi-Forces-Flee-Amid-Coalition-Airstrikes/Article/201103415960556?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_3&lid=ARTICLE_15960556_Video:_Libyan_Rebels_Retake_

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More details and video report at the link.

They would be smart to only engage in mobile warfare in areas east of that, such as sabotaging oil pipelines, shipping, and power distribution. It's too much territory with long supply lines required. They would be wise to focus their efforts on consolidating the west, extending state control over the remaining areas of rebel activity there. Asymmetrical warfare is required for both sides given the conditions. Gaddafi forces also have to firm up supply lines through Algeria and Chad.

I'm sure they'll be really grateful for your advice.

I've said what I thought the rebel forces would be smart to do as well. The Gaddafi forces are foolishly relying on conventional tactics, putting themselves out in the open. They need to radically change their strategy and tactics. It's not a difficult thing to evade air strikes and use asymmetrical tactics. Does something about that post irk you?

The guerrilla tactics don't work when you're fighting ... guerrillas.

Look at Sirte on Google Earth, the road is very far from the city center, if the revolutionaries want they can likely pass with impunity, once the tanks are taken out by the allies. Gaddafi is sending tanks to Misrata today, they will be taken out by the allies. I think Gaddafi blew his load on tanks and that the rebels will have no real problems with Sirte.

Sirte is far from the road, even if the internal politics of Sirte don't want the revolutionaries to pass, they will be able to with impunity. It's impossible to hold that much road. The supply lines will be secure. Also, Sirte tribesmen have been saying that they want to negotiate with the revolutionaries for safe passage. They will allow them to pass. Bank on it.

Save your ammo, you might need it later.

I wonder how many have been wounded by the falling bullets, too.