Libya’s rebels 'capture Wazin post' on Tunisian border

The reported capture of the Wazin crossing follows instense fighting in the area. Witnesses said dozens of Libyan soldiers had turned themselves over to the Tunisian military at the border.

he rebels control much of eastern Libya. Fighting is continuing in the besieged western city of Misrata. Theyr reportedly seized the Wazin post after up to 100 pro-Gaddafi soldiers, including officers, fled to Tunisia on Thursday.

The post lies on the main road linking the Libyan town of Nalut to Dehiba, on the Tunisian border.

Tunisia's state-run TAP news agency said 13 Libyan soldiers, including a general, had turned themselves over to the Tunisian military.
The BBC reports a witness speaking from the Tunisian side that dozens of government soldiers had surrendered.

"We see rebels who control the border crossing," he said.

Rebel leader Shaban Abu Sitta said the crossing had been taken after three days of intense battles with government soldiers outside Nalut.He said the rebels had seized cars and weapons from the government troops, and destroyed 30 trucks.

If confirmed and maintained, the capture of the border post could open up a new supply route for the rebel fighters.

However, a doctor with Tunisia's Red Crescent said there was concern among officials it could also lead to a new wave of refugees into Tunisia.

"The main worry now is an influx of families fleeing the fighting," Dr Mongi Slim said.

"Before, when the post was under the control of the pro-Gaddafi forces, people had been crossing on little paths. But now it will be much easier."

Tens of thousands of people fled into Tunisia in the early stages of the fighting, creating a humanitarian crisis on the border.