Clashes in Libya as Arab world unrest continues

LIBYAN rebels renewed their push against Muammar al-Gaddafi's forces yesterday, but they came under heavy artillery fire just days after making hefty advances towards Tripoli on two fronts.

At least five rebels were killed and 17 injured on the front line near Misrata, on Libya's Mediterranean coast, according to local medical workers.

Tens of thousands of Gaddafi regime supporters rallied in Tripoli's Green Square for Friday prayers. In the Western mountains Nato warplanes bombed forces loyal to Col Gaddafi several times in mid-afternoon, their bombs landing about two miles east of the village of Al-Qawalish, according to one rebel fighter.

Meanwhile, in Syria yesterday, hundreds of thousands of protesters poured into the streets of the opposition stronghold Hama, bolstered by a gesture of support from the US and French ambassadors who visited the city, the site of an infamous massacre by government forces 30 years ago. The visit by US ambassador Robert Ford drew swift condemnation from the Syrian government, which said it proved Washington was inciting violence.

Elsewhere, in Cairo and other Egyptian cities, tens of thousands of people braved scorching summer heat to hold one of their biggest protests in months, demanding trials for former members of Hosni Mubarak's regime accused in the killings of 900 people during the uprising earlier this year.