Gadhafi troops attack rebel city, lockdown capital

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Moammar Gadhafi’s forces launched a powerful attack trying to take back the closest opposition-held city to the Libyan capital today, in fierce fighting that killed at least 18, including the city’s top rebel commander — an army colonel who defected. In Tripoli, Gadhafi loyalists fired tear gas and live ammunition to smother a new outbreak of protests. To the east, rebels advanced on an oil port along the Mediterranean coast in their first offensive against Gadhafi’s military. Explosions were heard as the two sides battled around the air strip at Ras Lanouf, and at least two people were killed.