Snipers, tanks attack rebels as US plane crashes

MUAMMAR GADDAFI’S forces attacked two west Libyan towns yesterday, killing dozens, while rebels were pinned down in the east and NATO tried to resolve a dispute over who should lead the Western air campaign.

With anti-Gaddafi rebels struggling to create a command structure that could capitalise on the air strikes against Libyan tanks and air defences, Western countries had still to decide who would take over command once Washington pulls back in a few days.

In the latest fighting, Gaddafi’s tanks shelled the rebel-held western town of Misrata and casualties included four children killed when their car was hit, residents said, adding the death toll for Monday alone had reached 40. The US warned it was “considering all options” with regard to protecting civilians there.