Libyan rebels brace for attacks ahead of anti-Gaddafi protests

TRIPOLI/CAIRO: Libyan rebels were braced for more attacks by forces loyal to leader Muammar Gaddafi Friday, as they prepared for mass protests across the country.

Witnesses in Libya's third largest city, Misurata, said they aimed to have a one-million-strong march and that some of them would head for Tripoli, where Gaddafi remains in control.

Opposition forces in the capital have also called for mass protests, set to begin at the city's mosques after traditional Friday prayers.

Meanwhile, residents in the eastern cities of al-Buraqyqa and Ajdabiya told Al Arabiya television that they were expecting further attacks by Gaddafi's forces.

Rebels there have been clashing with hundreds of Gaddafi loyalists over the past two days after security officials attacked the cities in an attempt to retake control.

The opposition website Libya al-Youm reported that residents of the western city of Nalut had rejected an offer of 250,000 Libyan dinars (around $205,000) for each family that agreed to support Gaddafi.

Violence has been ongoing in Libya since Feb 15, when widespread protests demanding Gaddafi's departure began.

The Libyan leader's brutal crackdown on the demonstrations has led to international condemnation, sanctions and an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.