BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhuanet) -- Libyan rebels have retreated after coming under a barrage of rocket fire from government forces. The rebels suffered the setback after earlier advancing to within 80 kilometers of leader Muammar Gaddafi's stronghold in the capital Tripoli. Meanwhile, Gaddafi has lashed out at NATO during a speech to supporters. He warned that Europe would face revenge attacks unless the alliance stops its military campaign.
The rebels's five-day advance toward Bir al-Ghanam had raised the possibility of a breakthrough in a four-month old conflict. But now it will take longer time to achieve that goal.
The reversal underlines the continued resilience of forces loyal to Gaddafi. In a further blow to rebels, some NATO members are worried about the cost and civilian casualties in a campaign that has lasted longer-than-expected.
NATO's airstrikes have further enraged the embattled Libyan leader. Gaddafi has threatened to carry out attacks in Europe, unless NATO halts its campaign against his government.
Gaddafi delivered the warning in a telephone speech to thousands of supporters gathered in the main square of the capital Tripoli. He warned that Libyans could take revenge on European homes, offices and families. He also denounced the rebels as traitors and blamed them for Libya's troubles.
Despite the current situation, the international community is still working on how to solve the Libyan crisis. African heads of state have been trying to reach consensus on what to do with Gaddafi.
The leaders are yet to agree on the procedures to follow in attempting to resolve the crisis, one of the biggest to face the African Union. AU Commission chairman, Jean Ping, said there was progress on the talks and that details would be released later.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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