Libyan rebels capture key town; U.S. considers boosting firepower

The Pentagon may send in the Air Force's AC-130 gunship, an aircraft armed with cannons. Other possibilities are helicopters and drones, which see more than jets.

From Times wire services
3:28 AM PDT, March 26, 2011
AJDABIYAH, Libya

Libyan rebel fighters have recaptured the strategic town of Ajdabiyah, including the western gate that had been held by Moammar Kadafi's forces, Reuters witnesses and rebel fighters said Saturday.

Kadafi troops were retreating southwest toward the oil town of Brega, the fighters said.

There were signs of a heavy battle at the western gate, a green steel structure at the edge of the desert.

But pro-Kadafi forces remain a potent threat to civilians. The Associated Press reported that Pentagon officials are considering more firepower and airborne surveillance systems to find and attack enemy troops.

(More here.)