Libyan rebels take back strategic oil town

BREGA, Libya -- Rebel fighters pushed back into this hard-fought oil town yesterday, seizing half of it and pledging to drive out Moammar Gadhafi's forces in hours in an advance that would open a vital conduit for oil sales by the opposition.

Control of Brega's small refinery and Mediterranean port could significantly boost the rebels' hunt for revenues to buy heavy weapons for the fight against Gadhafi's better-equip-ped troops and militiamen.

Meanwhile, a diplomatic push by the regime in European capitals ran into trouble as opponents at home and abroad rejected any solution that would involve one of his sons taking power. Italy became the third nation to declare that the rebels' interim council is the only legitimate voice for the people. Some of Gadhafi's adversaries quickly rejected the idea that any of his sons, some of whom command militias accused of attacks on civilians, might play a transitional leadership role that would undoubtedly protect the family's vast economic interests.

Lightly armed and loosely organized opposition forces have surged into and beyond Brega several times in recent weeks from their strongholds in the east, only to be driven out by Gadhafi loyalists exploiting the rebels' inability to hold territory. In recent days the opposition has placed the front lines under the control of former military men, creating a more disciplined advance.

"We're more organized now, and that's played a big role," said Salam Idrisi, 42, a rebel fighter.

The opposition advanced under artillery fire throughout the day and took the streets of New Brega, a largely residential section separated from the oil facilities by a stretch of highway and a university campus, where the rebels were battling Gadhafi fighters at close range.

"New Brega is under control of our forces and we are mopping up around the university," said Lt. Muftah Omar Hamza, a former member of Libya's air force who had a satellite phone and a GPS around his neck.

The rebels also saw success Monday in their efforts to establish an internationally recognized government in eastern Libya, forging tighter links with Britain and Italy, both potentially major markets for oil.

Italy offered diplomatic recognition to the opposition council, joining France and Qatar. The Italian foreign minister said the chief executive of energy company Eni had visited the rebels' de facto capital, Benghazi, with the aim of resuming oil ties.

Eni has extensive oil facilities in the east and was Libya's biggest gas exporter and oil producer before the uprising against Gadhafi split the country.