Libyan forces retake airbase held by Gadhafi supporters

SEBHA, Libya, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Libyan Army troops and revolutionaries reclaimed the Tamenhit airbase held by supporters of deposed Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi, a military official said.

Military commander Mohammed Alayat al-Busaify told the Libya Herald Wednesday troops and revolutionaries seized the airbase and were moving toward Sebha. The base had been held by Gadhafi supporters since Jan. 20

Local officials said 18 Gadhafi loyalists were captured and a number of others fled.

The Herald said Sebha experienced intense fighting and that the city's Fort Elena castle reportedly was shelled by the Gadhafi loyalist forces. The extent of damage and whether there were any casualties was not known.