Libya rebels struggle to regroup: US jet crashes

AJDABIYA, Libya (AP) — Moammar Gadhafi's forces shelled rebels regrouping in the desert dunes outside a strategic eastern city today, and his snipers and tanks roamed the streets of the last major opposition-held city in the west, signaling a prolonged battle ahead. An American fighter jet crashed, both crew ejecting safely.

The U.S. Africa Command said both crewmembers were safe in American hands after what was believed to be a mechanical failure of the Air Force F-15 on Monday night. One was picked up by a rebel force and the other by a Marine Corps Osprey search-and-rescue aircraft.

Disorganization among the rebels could hamper their attempts to exploit the air campaign by U.S. and European militaries, who themselves have struggled to articulate an endgame.

Since the uprising began Feb. 15, the opposition has been made up of disparate groups even as it took control of the entire east of the country.