Libyan rebels say 13 killed in NATO airstrike

Accidental deaths occurred as rebels prepared to take over oil city of Brega

By Maggie Michael - Ryan Lucas

Published April 2, 2011 4:48PM (EDT)

A Libyan rebel fighter guards the roadway to the western gate of Ajdabiya, Libya, Friday, April 1, 2011, as limited movement is being permitted across the frontier. The western gate is closed Friday for journalists and civilians trying to reach the front line. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser) (AP)
A Libyan rebel fighter guards the roadway to the western gate of Ajdabiya, Libya, Friday, April 1, 2011, as limited movement is being permitted across the frontier. The western gate is closed Friday for journalists and civilians trying to reach the front line. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser) (AP)

The main Libyan opposition spokesman says 13 rebels have accidentally been killed and seven injured in a NATO airstrike targeting Moammar Gadhafi's forces.

Abdel-Hafidh Ghoga said Saturday that the attack occurred as the rebels prepared to take over the oil city of Brega.

His comments are the first confirmation that the rebels were killed in an airstrike. NATO says it's looking into the report.

Calling it an "unfortunate accident," Ghoga says the rebels were killed as they moved forward while the NATO strike was in progress late Friday.


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Africa Libya U.s. Military