Libyan rebels seize mountain towns

Libyan rebels have broken the government siege of two western mountain towns, a rebel commander said, while Nato pounded 10 targets across the country.

The heavy bombing and rebel victory, plus the first publicised diplomatic contact between China and the rebel leadership, reflect the continued erosion of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s power since the eruption in mid-February of uprisings to end his 42-year rule.