Libyan rebels say airstrike killed 13 of their own

BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) — A NATO airstrike intended to thwart Moammar Gadhafi’s forces killed 13 rebel fighters in eastern Libya instead, the opposition said today, but they described it as an “unfortunate accident” and stressed it did not diminish their support for the international air campaign. The rebels’ response to the attack — blaming it on a mistake within their ranks — highlighted their heavy dependence on the international air campaign as they face the superior military power of the longtime Libyan leader. The misfire also showed the challenges the coalition faces in identifying targets without coordination with forces on the ground