Gaddafi moves on Benghazi, ignores U.N.

The U.N. voted. It’s on paper. Gaddafi’s decided. He’s on the ground.

News papers are filled today with reports of pro-Gaddafi forces having entered the western outskirts of Benghazi, the seat of the opposition movement. Thousands are apparently fleeing as bombardments of artillery and rockets are felt throughout the city.

The BBC has a video report directly from Benghazi. They show pictures of a fighter jet being shot down over the city but cannot confirm if it is a rebel jet or a Gaddafi jet. Later reports have confirmed it was a rebel plane.

After the U.N. vote Thursday evening for a “no fly” zone with added tough wording about military actions against the Libyan people that turned the resolution into a “no drive” zone, Gaddafi’s government declared a unilateral ceasefire on Friday. However, this Saturday sees a new face of defiance towards the international community as Gaddafi pushes forward. There can be no doubt that his plan is to take the rebels before the U.N. can actually act on its resolution. He will have taken back the rebel held territories and there will no longer be anything for the U.N. to defend.

The BBC has a video of a Gaddafi spokesman reading aloud in English 2 letters; one addressed specifically to Obama and the other to David Cameron, Nicolas Sarkozy and Ban ki-Moon. Gaddafi strikes a very consolatory tone with Obama asking what would he do if America was under attack from within. With the others, his tone is harsher saying they have no right to interfere with the internal affairs of another country. However, both letters explain or justify his actions by saying that Libya is fighting against Al Qaeda; it is this organisation which has organised the rebels; the opposition is Al Qaeda.

Canada’s Stephen Harper arrived in Paris Saturday morning along with other western leaders to discuss military action. The Guardian has reported that Nicolas Sarkozy has stated at a press conference as of 2:48pm (local time?) French fighter planes are enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya, particularly Benghazi. “As of now our aircraft are preventing [Gaddafi’s] planes from attacking the ground.” So far, there is no reported confirmation of this statement. Nevertheless, ground fighting seems to be continuing in both Benghazi and Misrata. Pro-Gaddafi tanks are reported to be in the city of Benghazi and reports about Misrata show the rebel resistance to be in a fragile state faced with the onslaught of the loyalists.

CNN is saying as of 11am EST that French jets are in place and are quoting Sarkozy as saying, “Our air force will oppose any aggression by Colonel Gadhafi against the population of Benghazi. As of now, our aircraft are preventing planes from attacking the town. As of now, our aircraft are prepared to intervene against tanks.”

ITN News – Mar 18/2011

Libyan jet shot down over Benghazi

[Rebels cheer the downing of this jet but later reports have confirmed it was a rebel jet.]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvwISqREkaU

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