Gadhafi intimidating, detaining reporters

A source close to the opposition’s National Transitional Council, in Benghazi, who spoke on the condition of anonymity citing security concerns, said that contrary to claims by the Gadhafi regime, the rebels also retain control of Brega and parts of Ras Lanouf, key oil terminals on the Mediterranean coast.

In Az Zawiya, residents did not have water or electricity after fierce fighting in which pro-Gadhafi forces had seized control of the city from the rebels.

Earlier this month, three British Broadcasting Corp. journalists who were held by the army and internal security were subjected to mock execution. All three had official permission to work in Libya.

The Libyan Foreign Ministry also confirmed last week that Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, a correspondent for London’s Guardian newspaper, has been detained.

In interviews with The Times, Libyans spoke of friends and family members who have vanished overnight.

“There has been a wave of kidnappings. In Tripoli, anyone from the east has been arrested or threatened,” said a resident of Benghazi, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he has family in Tripoli. Kidnappings have also been reported from other cities, including Misurata.

Some detainees have apparently been subjected to torture, according to Human Rights Watch.

“The fear in Tripoli is palpable,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

“The arrests and disappearances in Tripoli have cowed many who were peacefully protesting the government,” Ms. Whitson said. “It shows how much the government headed by Gadhafi is relying on intimidation.”