Libya Government Denies Zawiyah is Rebel-Held

The Libyan government denied reports that Zawiyah, a city west of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, has slipped from leader Moammer Qaddafi’s control, as spokesperson Moussa Ibrahim insisted on August 13 that the coastal city is not being held by captives.

"Zawiyah is absolutely under our control. What happened is exactly this: a very small group of rebels tried to move, south of Zawiyah -- they were less than 100 -- they were stopped easily by our armed forces; there was a small group that resided inside Zawiyah, they did not enter Zawiyah, they are ready inside Zawiyah and they were waiting for the other group to come in to join the, but they basically took action early. So, they exposed themselves and they were dealt with and are still being dealt with in Zawiyah. They are small group," said Mr. Ibrahim.

Mr. Ibrahim also criticized Britain and France for the NATO air raids targeted at the Libyan government.

Meanwhile, in the oil station of Brega, at least 21 rebels and government militaries died in clashes within the past two days, according to medics in Adjabiyah, where casualties are treated.

Speaker:

Moussa Ibrahim - Libyan government spokesperson