Libya (and Beyond) LiveBlog: Pounding Away

2215: A resident of Daraa in southern Syria says, after a day in which 15 people were killed by security forces:"The city is empty, only the army is in the street. Tomorrow we will be more and more in the streets."

2200 GMT: At least 40 people have been killed in clashes between pro- and anti-regime tribesmen in the northern Yemeni governorate of Al-Jawf over the last five days.

Anti-regime tribesmen took over control of the 115th Infantry Division after its commander, Brigadier Abdurabu Hussein, refused to hand over the division to Brigadier Ali Haidara al-Henshi, appointed by President Ali Abdullah Saleh as a replacement.

An official with a non-government organisation said, "Strategic military positions in the governorate are now controlled by anti-government tribesmen and Houthi gunmen. About 20 troops and Houthi gunmen were killed in the latter's attack on the contingent."

2145 GMT: Video from Zintan in northwest Libya, as opposition fighters celebrate atop the regime's tanks and military vehicles. Soon after the filming, the cameraman was killed in the fighting:

2100 GMT: The latest from Libya....

Reports continue of coalition attacks around Tripoli. Libyan State TV has reported that the Tajoura area "was the subject of an imperialist, crusader raid against some civilian and military targets". Witnesses say there was a large blast at a military base 32 km (20 miles) east of the capital. Sources also report very loud explosions coming from Mitiga airport near the capital.

Regime forces have resumed shelling the besieged city of Misurata, which is almost totally cut off. A witness said, "Government tanks are closing in on Misurata hospital and shelling the area."

There have been shifting reports throughout the day of the battle for the city. At one point, regime troops were said to have seized the hospital and used it as a base for sniper fire, but there were then reports that the coalition had taken out Qaddafi's forces with airstrikes.

Canada has carried out its first bombing raids in the coalition effort. Four CF-18 jets, supported by two refuelling aircraft, carried out two separate bombing runs over Misurata. The Canadian planes dropped four laser-guided bombs on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

1930 GMT: Egypt's public prosecutor has said that former Minister of Interior Habib El Adly and four security officials will face trial on charges of killing protesters.

The prosecutor-general referred El Aldy for "the premeditated and deliberate killing of some protesters".

More than 360 people died in the uprising against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak.

Earlier in the day, a fact-finding committee had found sufficient evidence to file charges.

1920 GMT: Residents tell Reuters that there have been eight explosions in eastern Tripoli. Libyan State TV is reporting attacks on military and civilian targets.

1810 GMT: According to witnesses, the death toll is now at least 15 today in the Syria city of Daraa, as security forces attacked protesters. protesters.

At least six were killed in the early morning attack on the al-Omari mosque. Another three people protesting in the Roman-era city centre after dusk, and six more bodies were found later in the day, an activist said.

At least 22 people have died since the daily demonstrations began last Friday.

State TV's version of events is that an "armed gang" attacked an ambulance in Daraa --- security forces killed four attackers, wounded others, and were chasing those who fled. State TV denied that security forces had stormed the mosque, but its showed footage of guns, AK47s, hand grenades, ammunition, and money that it said had been seized.

Mobile phone connections to Daraa were cut and checkpoints throughout the city were manned by soldiers in camouflage uniforms and plainclothes security agents with rifles. Anti-terrorism police wearing dark blue uniforms were also out on the streets.

1705 GMT: The Egyptian regime has passed a law criminalising protests and strikes --- anyone organising or calling for a demonstration or stoppage can be sentenced to prison and/or fined LE500,000 ($84,000).

The new law will be enforced as long as the current Emergency Law --- in force since 1981 --- is in place, the Council of Ministers said. It will apply to anyone inciting, urging, promoting or participating in a protest or strike that hampers or delays work at any private or public establishments.

1700 GMT: Thanks to James Miller for taking the LiveBlog through the afternoon.

Yemeni authorities has closed the Al Jazeera office and revoked the accreditation of its correspondents.

1651 GMT: Agence France Press is confirming that three have been killed in clashes in Daraa, Syria, including an 11-year-old girl.

1627 GMT: Putin getting his information from Qaddafi? Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has told Russian State TV, "How can the goal of protecting the civilian population be achieved with means that increase casualties among the civilian population? That is something that cannot but cause concern."

However, many sources within rebel forces have reported that there are no civilian casualties at the hands of coalition air strikes, US officials also deny this, and the Libyan regime has yet to substantiate claims to the contrary.

Putin was dressed down by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for previous comments, comparing the UN no-fly zone to a "crusade."

1621 GMT: Al Jazeera is reporting that the government of Daraa has been dismissed, according to Syrian State TV.

Several sources have reported more protest rallies in Daraa, Syria. There are also reports that shots have been fired, rubber bullets and possibly live fire into the crowd.

There was a funeral held today in Daraa for at least one protester killed in clashes this week. There have been reports of clashes with security forces at this funeral.

1555 GMT: US Navy officials have suggested that, now that the Libyan airforce is crippled, the air raids will now focus on pro-Gaddafi ground forces that are attacking opposition-held territory. Read Admiral Margaret Klein said that attacking Gaddafi's tanks and artillery was consistent with the UN Security Council Resolution because it will protect civilians. 

This is significant, as it appears that rebel forces have been unable to counter the pro-Gaddafi forces' heavy weapons systems.

1545 GMT: A spokesman for the Libyan rebels, Mohamed, gives this account to the BBC:

"Misrata was in a desperate state yesterday, we almost lost all hope, but the strikes came at a good time with good intensity and frequency. They even managed to take out some convoys inside the city which was very impressive.

Gaddafi's forces have been hiding in a hospital....I can tell you that there've been zero casualties from international strikes... There are snipers on top of buildings; Gaddafi's forces are still stationed on the main street --- Tripoli street --- but there's no random shelling anymore....I've been able to go out, I've seen bakeries and groceries open for the first time in many days. The strikes made such a difference - Gaddafi's forces are scared of them. I want to express our gratitude and appreciation for these actions, we will never ever forget!"

1536 GMT: US officials have claimed that last night coalition warplanes bombed the wreckage of the f-15E jet fighter that crashed yesterday. 

There are still conflicting reports that civilians were killed during the rescue operation of one of the two pilots yesterday (Update at 0530 GMT below), but it does not appear that the timings of the bombings and the reports of the civilians who were injured line up.

1529 GMT: The British Royal Air Force (RAF) commander has stated that the Gaddafi air force "no longer exists as a fighting force...We have the Libyan ground forces under constant observation and we attack them whenever they threaten civilians or attack population centers."

1521 GMT: A high ranking member of the European Union has made comments that seem to excuse civilian casaulties in Bahrain. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton's advisor, Robert Cooper, made the following statement:

"I'm not sure if the police have had to deal with these public order questions before. It's not easy dealing with large demonstrations in which there may be violence. It's a difficult task for policemen. It's not something that we always get right in the best western countries and accidents happen."

At least 21 were killed and hundreds have gone missing since clashes between security forces and protesters last week. 

1516 GMT: Multiple sources are claiming that there are large protests in Karzakan, Bahrain. One source provides this picture, allegedly taken today. 

1508 GMT: Rebel and pro-Gaddafi forces clashed once again near Ajdabiyah, Libya, where government missile attacks have killed several rebels over the course of the last two days.

A rebel talking to Reuters, after seeing a fresh grave draped with a rebel flag, makes this assessment: 

"The National Libyan Council aren't the people to ask for anything to be frank. We want help from the West. If it weren't for them, Gaddafi's forces would be in Benghazi," Ali said.

1501 GMT: Coalition airstrikes have forced Gaddafi forces to pull back from the Western city of Misrata, according to the Associated Press. Citing a doctor in the area, the AP is reporting that tanks have pulled away from the city after several were destroyed. There is a great deal of fear, however, that the tanks will return. 

1435 GMT: Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa, in Turkey to discuss recent uprisings and sure up support, told a Turkish TV program:

"What is happening in Bahrain is now at a very dangerous stage. There is stability but, we are absolutely afraid of the division between religious communities."

1427 GMT: Yemen's parliament has given "sweeping" emergency powers to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. This legislation was a response to Saleh's request for increased power to arrest and censor civilians in order to quell. opposition. 

1423 GMT: An EA correspondent says that several sources have reported that phones are down in Daraa, Syria. If the pattern is consistent with recent days, this has occurred immediately before a severe crackdown by security forces.

1410 GMT: CNN's Nic Robertson has been critical of the Libyan government's reports that the government has yet to show reporters evidence of civilian casualties at the hands of coalition air raids. The Gaddafi regime has attempted to fix this. Nic gives this report:

Govt taking journalists to house they say was damaged in coalition air strike, spokesman admits house near military facility

Govt officials taking journalists into east Tripoli are lost and can't find the so-called damaged house. Just driving around.

1356 GMT: A bomb, reportedly tied to a telephone pole, has exploded near the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. There are reports that at least 25 are injured. There is no word yet on whether this was a terrorist attack, an so far there are no organizations that have taken credit for this attack. 

1353 GMT: A fact-finding committee in Egypt has filed charges against former-President Hosni Mubarak and Interior Minister Habib al-Adly for "intentional murder of protesters." This is the first step in the process that could result in Mubarak facing murder charges.

380 people died in the protests in January and February. A number of high ranking police are already being held for questioning.

1336 GMT: The BBC is reporting that 11 pro-Gaddafi tanks control the east gate if Ajdabiya, where rebels have been unable to gain the upper hand. One rebel puts it this way, "All we have are Kalashnikovs."

1328 GMT: Politics of a no-fly zone: The leaders of the U.K., France, and the U.S. have been working hard to sure up support for operations in Libya. Barack Obama, in particular, has stated repeatedly that he would like the U.S. to reduce its leadership rule in the next few days.

Today, NATO appears to be one step closer towards taking control of operations, as Turkey, and several other allies that had initially opposed the move, are now coming onboard.

In a major turn around, Qatar has deployed Mirage fighter planes to support the operations in Libya, the first Arab nation to militarily support a no-fly zone there. 

The U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron said this today:

"Because we had to act so quickly on Saturday it wasn't possible to bring forward as much Arab support as perhaps would have been welcomed I think by everybody in this House... I believe support in the Arab world, not just amongst Arab leaders but also amongst Arab people, for saving lives in Libya, is very strong."

1321 GMT: Breaking news, a large explosion in Jerusalem, potentially involving a bus. More news as we get it. 

1255 GMT: An eyewitness describes the scene in Misurata, Libya (see update at 1030 GMT below)

It started half an hour ago. The snipers are ... shooting at the hospital and its two entrances are under heavy attack. No one can get in or out ... We have lost all communication with people inside. The last thing we knew is that three are killed and three are critically wounded.

1240 GMT: Al Jazeera has this report:

"Al Jazeera's Andrew Simmons, aboard the USS Kearsarge, says the aim of the Harrier jets aboard the ship is to help push Gaddafi's troops back from their lines - not enforce a no-fly zone. He tells us:

"The rebels aren't making much headway, so we're seeing an escalation here."

An EA's Scott Lucas asks this question: 

The mission from the start has been this --- not just to safeguard Benghazi. There is a question over support re Ajdabiya in east.

 But --- and this is the emerging question --- do you protect opposition-held area deep in the west? That is not only Misurata (although this is most important case) but Zintan in far northwest.

As if on cue, this report has just come in from a Libyan opposition activist:

I don't know how much longer Misurata and Zintan can hold out. Gaddafi is bringing in fresh troops with shiny new weapons.

Gaddafi's Zintan reinforcements have been coming from the Faris Brigade, normally stationed in Sabha & the south.

Al Jazeera English is reporting that shelling has resumed in Zintan. An eyewitness tells them:

"Gaddafi's brigades started bombardment from the northern area half an hour ago. The bombardment is taking place now. The town is completely surrounded. The situation is very bad.

They are getting reinforcements. Troops backed with tanks and vehicles are coming. We appeal to the allied forces to come and protect civilians."

1218 GMT: Syrian dissidents described a scene where 6 people were killed by security forces who were storming a mosque where peaceful demonstrators had taken refuge from security forces. Syrian State TV, however, says that the mosque was filled with weapons, ammunition, and grenades, and that 4 people were killed when an ambulance was assaulted by an "armed gang." According to the New York Times:

“It seems that security forces may be trying to storm the complex,” a resident told Reuters. “It is not clear because electricity has been cut off. Tear gas is also being used.”

A witness said that a doctor in the city's main hospital, Ali Nassab al-Mahameed, was also shot and killed while trying to rescue victims.

(WATCH VIDEOS FROM PROTESTS IN SYRIA YESTERDAY)

1145 GMT: A resident of Zintan in the far northwest of Libya says regime shelling has resumed.

Kim Sengupta of The Independent of London reports from east Libya:

Ajdabiya has a population of about 140,000, it seems about three-quarters of them have gone. All the shops are shut, they have run out of most of their food, there is no water and there is no power. So it is basically a city under siege.

No-one really is in control inside, you've got Shabab [Libyan Youth Movement] rebel fighters' checkpoints in various places, but they are not permanent ones.

1120 GMT: The Egyptian Stock, which reopened this morning for the first time since 27 January, is now re-re-opened after trading was suspended.

The suspension was automatically triggered when the market fell 10% in the first two minutes of trading.

However, trade in Ezz Steel, Egypt's largest steelmaker, has been halted until its ownership and financial position are clarified.

Chairman Ahmed Ezz, who was a top official in ousted President Hosni Mubarak's party, is being investigated for graft and has been detained since 17 February.

1115 GMT: A resident in Misurata said the coalition carried out two airstrikes, one at 12:45 a.m. (2245 GMT Tuesday) and one just before 11 a.m. (0900 GMT) on regime artillery and tanks. The resident said the Qaddafi forces have not fired a single round since the latest airstrike.

Earlier this morning, it was reported that the regime troops had taken over Misurata's hospital.

Coalition warplanes have also reportedly hit Qaddafi forces stationed at the eastern entrance of Ajdabiya in east Libya. Fighting for control of the city has been continuing for several days.

1100 GMT: The head of the "Peninsula Shield" troops from Gulf Cooperation States, Major-General Mutlaq bin Salem al-Azima, said Tuesday that the forces will stay in Bahrain until it wards off foreign threats.

The declaration came as the GCC states reaffirmed their support for the mission (see 0900 GMT).

Bahrain has suspended flights to and from Lebanon a day after it warned its citizens not to travel there.

Bahrain's state-run Gulf Air also said, in a statement on its website, that all flights to Iran and Iraq have been suspended until 31 March. No reason was given.

Lebanon's Hezbollah has supported protests in Bahrain, whose authorities have claimed that foreign groups are behind the uprising.

1030 GMT: Opposition fighters in Misurata, 210 km (130 miles) east of Tripoli, say 14 people were killed and 23 injured overnight. They add that regime forces have taken over the city's hospital, positioning snipers on the roof and tanks at the entrance.

The insurgents are calling for a hospital ship, as they still control the port, to save the lives of the wounded.

1025 GMT: The opposition's National Transitional Council has now labelled itself an "interim government".

The NTC had been wary about the step, as it mark a split in the country. It emphasises that it is still committed to one Libya without Muammar Qaddafi.

Mahmoud Jibril, who had already been carrying out the NTC's diplomacy with foreign powers, has been named as the head of the interim government.

1020 GMT: NATO warships, commanded from Naples, Italy, will begin patrolling Libya's coast to enforce the UN arms embargo later today. The force will consist of two frigates, six minesweepers, and a supply ship.

0925 GMT: In Oman, about 100 demonstrators demanding political reforms set up tents on Tuesday in the capital Muscat near Government ministries.

0915 GMT: Possibly the quote of the day, from "one observer of Anglo-American military adventures over the last 20 years", as member states in NATO discuss and sometimes bicker over whether the organisation should take charge of the coalition campaign in Libya:

It's a bit like a barn dance. Half of the people can't dance, a couple are drunk and then there's always the characters at the back with their hands up various skirts."

0910 GMT: Egypt's Stock Market finally re-opened this morning after it was suspended on 27 January during the uprising against former President Hosni Mubarak, but it fell 10% within minutes and then closed.

0900 GMT: The Gulf Cooperation Council states (Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman) have issued a statement reaffirming the deicison to send troops to Bahrain to support the regime as it cracked down on the uprising that started 14 February, saying the intervention was in response to security and defense agreements signed between the Gulf states to protect vital installations in the kingdom.

The GCC emphasised its rejection of any foreign interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain, while supporting the Bahraini Crown Prince's request for an unconditional but constructive national dialogue.

The GCC also expressed its regret at the casualties of the demonstrations.

0550 GMT: Residents said one of those killed in Daraa in Syria yesterday was Ali Ghassab al-Mahamid, a doctor from a prominent family who went to the Omari mosque in the city's old quarter to help victims of the security forces' attack which occurred just after midnight.

Syrian authorities have reportedly arrested human rights activist Loay Hussein, who was a political prisoner from 1984 to 1991.

0540 GMT: Claimed video of latest protests in Daraa in southern Syria, where six more people were reportedly killed by security forces on Tuesday, is now posted in a separate entry. Activists said hundreds of people had gathered outside the Omari mosque, some erecting tents, but the Syrian forces blocked telephone service and "cut off electricity and the firing started".

0535 GMT: A clip from Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi's appearance last night at his compound in Tripoli (see 0515 GMT):

0530 GMT: The aftermath of Tuesday's crash of a US F-15E fighter jet in Libya has brought further conflict.

The US military has denied reports that six Libyans, including a boy whose leg may have to be amputated, were injured by gunfire from an American helicopter which recovered one of the fighter's two crewmen (the other was rescued by the Libyan opposition). A US military spokesman said, "No small arms fire came from our forces. There were no gunshots."

At the same time, the spokesman said a US Harrier force dropped two 500-pound bombs on armoured vehicles in the area, raising the possibility that the six Libyan bystanders had been wounded by shrapnel.

0515 GMT: In Libya, another day in the pattern of assaults from all sides --- the coalition carried out another set of airstrikes in and near Tripoli, with two explosions and anti-aircraft fire just before dawn on Wednesday; the regime pounded away again at opposition-held areas in the West, notably Misurata and Zintan; and the insurgents remained on the doorstep of Ajdabiya, unable to dislodge Qaddafi forces with better organisation and more powerful weapons.

Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi appeared before a crowd at his Bab Al-Aziziyah compound in Tripoli, denouncing the coalition as "fascists who will end up in the dustbin of history". He declared, "We will win this battle....The masses were the strongest anti-air defences."

President Barack Obama has said that Qaddafi may try to hang on to power, but he hopes the coalition intervention will create enough space for rebels to "create a legitimate government". Again pointing to regime change beyond the no-fly zone, he said that it might not be "military might" but a belief among the Libyan people that it is time for a change that "ultimately sweeping Qaddafi out of power".

Three journalists --- AFP staff Dave Clark and  Roberto Schmidt and Getty Images photographer Joe Raedle have been  released by the Libyan authorities after 48 hours in captivity. Four Al Jazeera journalists and crew are still being held.

Elsewhere, the conflict in southern Syria continues, with security forces reportedly killing six people in Daraa on Tuesday. There have been daily protests in the city on the Jordanian border for almost a week, with at least 11 demonstrators dead and dozens injured.