Gaddafi fires banned cluster bombs at Libyans, say human rights campaigners

COLONEL Gaddafi fired banned cluster bombs at his own people in a bid to win back the rebel-held town of Misrata yesterday.

Human rights ­campaigners said they saw at least three of the devices, prohibited worldwide because of the horrific injuries the showers of “mini bombs” inflict, ­explode over a part of the city packed with civilians.

Misrata is the only major stronghold of the rebels in the western part of Libya.

Members of Human Rights Watch said they also found bomb ­remnants near the frontline, where fighting has raged for six weeks. But Gaddafi spokesman ­Moussa Ibrahim denied the bombs were being used.

In a further sign of ­growing desperation, Gaddafi’s men were said to have recruited child soldiers. Ninety boys were called to barracks in Tripoli for “training”.


(2011-4-17/mirror)