'Misrata is free': Gadhafi forces flee Libyan city
source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42728309/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa
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MISRATA, Libya — A spokesman for Libyan rebels said the city of Misrata was freed from Moammar Gadhafi's forces on Saturday after a siege of Libya's third-largest city lasting nearly two months.
There was no independent confirmation, but Libyan troops captured by rebels in Misrata said the army had been ordered to retreat and the Libyan government said earlier that local tribes would take over the battle from the army.
"Misrata is free, the rebels have won. Of Gadhafi's forces, some are killed and others are running away," rebel spokesman Gemal Salem told Reuters by telephone from the city.
Salem said that although Gadhafi's forces had pulled out of Misrata, they remained outside and would be in a position to bombard it.
There was no independent confirmation, but Libyan troops captured by rebels in Misrata said the army had been ordered to retreat and the Libyan government said earlier that local tribes would take over the battle from the army.
"Misrata is free, the rebels have won. Of Gadhafi's forces, some are killed and others are running away," rebel spokesman Gemal Salem told Reuters by telephone from the city.
Salem said that although Gadhafi's forces had pulled out of Misrata, they remained outside and would be in a position to bombard it.
