LIBYAN rebels fled in headlong retreat from the superior arms and tactics of Muammar Gaddafi’s troops yesterday, exposing the insurgents’ weakness without Western air strikes to tip the scales in their favour.

TINY Qatar became the first Arab country to fly combat missions over Libya yesterday after NATO agreed to take command of the no-fly zone part of air operations against Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

Tiny Qatar became the first Arab country to fly combat missions over Libya today after Nato agreed to take command of the no-fly zone part of air operations against Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

Libyan rebels have shot down two bombers which attacked the airport in their main stronghold, according to residents.

Libyan rebels are battling to keep Muammar Gaddafi’s forces from breaking into the key city of Ajdabiya.

Hundreds of Libyan rebels have fled a key oil port under a barrage of rockets and tank shells from government forces.

Hundreds of rebel fighters have retreated from the strategic oil port of Ras Lanouf as Muammar Gaddafi’s army pounds the town with artillery.

The closest rebel-held city to the Libyan capital has fallen to Muammar Gaddafi’s forces.