Libya rebels seize strategic oil town Ajdabiya

AJDABIYA: Libyan rebels backed by a barrage of Western strikes seized control on Saturday of the strategic eastern oil town of Ajdabiya from Colonel Moamer Qadhafi's forces, an AFP correspondent reported.

Defensive positions previously held by pro-Qadhafi forces targetted by coalition warplanes stood deserted on Saturday morning as rebels rolled into the town tooting car horns and flashing the "V" for victory sign.

On Friday, coalition warplanes pounded Qadhafi's forces entrenched in Ajdabiya, boosting rebel efforts to launch new offensives to recapture the city.