Libyan Rebels Complain About NATO Airstrikes

AJDABIYA, Libya — Libyan rebel complaints that NATO has been slow to launch airstrikes are mounting as they try to fight their way back into the eastern oil port of Brega.

But French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said Wednesday that the situation has become increasingly complicated because Moammar Gadhafi's forces are positioning themselves in heavily populated civilian areas to make targeting difficult.

Juppe also says airstrikes have destroyed most of Gadhafi's aircraft and armored vehicles, making it difficult to distinguish his troops from the rebels.

To help avoid confusion, ex-military officers who have joined the rebels are trying to keep untrained fighters from the front lines as they press toward Brega. But that's causing tensions within the rebel ranks.