Battles rage on in Libya as demonstrations continue in Middle East
Posted Mar 7, 2011 09:51:46 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Political instability and unrest in North Africa and around the Persian Gulf is creating more diplomatic headaches for foreign nationals in those countries.
Demonstrations are becoming more violent and safety cannot be guaranteed.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Department is urging Canadians in Yemen to “seriously consider” leaving the Gulf nation due to unrest and violence as anti-government demonstrations grow.
Foreign Affairs is also recommending those Canadians to avoid all crowds and political gatherings. It warns that the officials may not be able to offer consular services to those in need.
Meanwhile, in Bahrain, demonstrators are marching in front of the U.S. Embassy calling for American intervention in their battle with the monarchy.
In Libya, rebel forces withstood a weekend of heavy artillery from pro-Gadhafi forces and are being buoyed by the promise fo reinforcements and heavy weapons.
“All I saw is bombs and bullets and we were trying to escape and come back and I was begging everyone to give me a ride,” says Jamal Al Karrari, a 24-year-old U.S. student who left the University of Colorado to join the uprising. “It was scary.”
The rebels also claimed victory in the city of Misrata, about 200 kilometers from the Gadhafi stronghold of Tripoli.
After five hours of battle, the rebels were able to hold on and withstand the onslaught of pro-Gadhafi forces.
