The opposition sources said Libyan military and security forces have
placed Kufra under siege in an effort to quell the unrest. They said
authorities have severed telephone connection between Kufra and the outside
world.
"The army is constantly bringing in troops via helicopter," the source
said. "There is heavy fighting and shooting taking place in the city."
Issa Abdul Majid Mansour, head of the European-based Libyan Tabu
Salvation Front, said security forces were exchanging fire with tribal
members. Mansour, based in Norway, said tribesmen were torching army and
security vehicles in the Kufra.
The regime of Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi has sought to win the
loyalty of the powerful Tabu tribe. In December 2007, the regime reached an
agreement to improve educational, medical and employment for tribal members.
But the opposition sources said the pledges were largely ignored. They
said Tabu members, particularly youngsters, have come under attack from
Libyan government-backed militias around Kufra.
