The Attack on Ajdabiya

Earlier today, Libyan rebels were pushed back from Brega again toward the town of Ajdabiya.

Ajdabiya, once a home to 100,000 residents, is now nearly unpopulated since the war has chased people from their homes. Earlier, the rebels were on the road to Brega, but were outflanked by troops loyal to Libyan President Mummar el Qaddafi. Ajdabiya is a vital town for the rebels. It is the most important town besides Benghazi because it is a supply checkpoint. If it falls back into Qaddafi’s hands, front line supplies will have to come directly from Benghazi.

A sandstorm helped Qaddafi’s troops because that prevented the NATO airplanes from striking their heavy weapons, but it forced Qaddafi’s troops to attack Ajdabiya from the south. Also, it helped Qaddafi surprise the rebels. Through the sandstorm, at least 100 rockets were fired at Ajdabiya.

The rebels have a grip on Ajdabiya, but the government forces are pounding the town with shells and rockets. It looks as if the rebels have control of the town, but Qaddafi forces are getting closer and closer. Maybe Benghazi will be next for them.

The port town of Ajdabiya could change the outcome of the war. It is vital to both sides. The rebels need it for a supply checkpoint and Qaddafi needs to control a vital town in Eastern Libya that connects to the water.