Libya-Protests - Libyan government soldiers have taken back a huge barracks in the city of Zawiya, west of Tripoli, from rebel forces, Libyan television, Allibiya, reported on Friday evening. It showed images of government troops taking back the barracks, which fell to the armed insurgents a week ago. The military chief, who took part in the counter attack, told the television station that 31 tanks, 19 troops carriers, 45 pieces of anti-aircraft guns and a huge quantity of assault rifles and ammunition were seized from the rebels. He also said that the rebel chief, Hussein Darbouk and his assistant were killed during the operation.

A Libyan official source quoted by the television said the city of Zawiya, which had in its western suburb a huge oil refinery with a capacity of 120,000 barrels per day, was also retaken from the rebels.

He added that several insurgents were killed in the fighting while others fled.

In another development, the Libyan official said several young men from the same city, who had seized some arms during the attacks against several barracks or police stations days ago, have regreted their acts and given back those arms to the local dignitaries.

The television has been repeating assurances that that 'all those who regret their acts and give back their arms will not be prosecuted'.

Pana 06/03/2011