Opposition Forces Take Control of Multiple Libyan Cities

After days of protests, violence and fighting, multiple Libyan cities and southern oilfields have reportedly fallen to opposition control. Media reports say protesters seized control of Benghazi, Misurata and Az Zintan. Government security forces remain in control of the capital, Tripoli. In most of the fallen cities, the opposition has formed committees to restore order and defend against government forces.

Protests to force Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi to end his 42 year reign of power began on February 15. Gadhafi has showed no signs of giving in to the demands. The Interior Ministry reports at least 300 people have been killed in the unrest so far.

Meanwhile, there has been no word of what happened to recently-resigned interior minister Abdul Fattah Younis al Abidi. Al Aibdi resigned Monday after accusing Gadhafi of planning to launch a massive attack against civilians. The Libyan government reported Wednesday that Abidi had been kidnapped. The media reported he was abducted by “gangs” in Benghazi.

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