Libya: Allied strikes crime against humanity
Libyan spokesman lashes out at West, says 'mad, criminal prime ministers and presidents of Europe leading crusade against Arab Muslim nation; meanwhile, rebels say Gaddafi forces shelling city, 'destroying everything'
Libya described coalition air strikes against it on Friday as a "crime against humanity," saying at least six civilians were killed in an attack on a village in the east of the country.
"Some mad and criminal prime ministers and presidents of Europe are leading a crusade against an Arab Muslim nation," a government spokesman, Mussa Ibrahim, told reporters. "Sounds familiar? ... It's a crime against humanity."
He said six civilians were killed and dozens wounded in an attack on a village near the eastern city of Brega on Thursday.
"You cannot get more civilian than this (village)," he said.
Meanwhile, forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi mounted an intense artillery bombardment of rebel-held Misrata on Friday and pro-Gaddafi troops attacked shops and homes in the city centre, residents said.
'May Allah help us'
One resident said an attempt by government forces to take control of the city centre had been fought off by rebels but that afterwards pro-Gaddafi forces started indiscriminate shelling of Misrata's port and the city centre.
"They used tanks, rocket-propelled grenades, mortar rounds and other projectiles to hit the city today. It was a random and very intense bombardment," a rebel spokesman called Sami told Reuters by telephone. "We no longer recognize the place. The destruction cannot be described."
"The pro-Gaddafi soldiers who made it inside the city through Tripoli Street are pillaging the place, the shops, even homes, and destroying everything in the process.
"They are targeting everyone, including civilians' homes. I don't know what to say, may Allah help us," he said.
Also Friday, The Libyan government rejected ceasefire conditions set out by rebel leaders saying government troops would not leave Libyan cities as demanded by the opposition.
"They are asking us to withdraw from our own cities. .... If this is not mad then I don't know what this is. We will not leave out cities," said Mussa Ibrahim, the government spokesman.
AP and Reuters contributed to the story
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