Libya 'scatters mines' in Misrata

[Viva_La_Revolution]

Source: BBC

Government forces in Libya have been scattering land mines in the port city of Misrata, according to rebels and video footage.

The use of Chinese anti-vehicle mines was verified by Human Rights Watch.

They were dropped by mini-parachutes from rockets that open during flight, according to the New York Times.

Rebels said forces loyal to Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi had also bombed fuel tanks in Misrata, setting them on fire.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13323299?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[trud]

1. the rebels plant mines, so now it's news that the government does too? n/t

[Turborama]

3. March 2011: Libyan Government's Use of Landmines Confirmed (Pic Heavy)

In March, near Ajdabiya: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4793062

[dipsydoodle]

2. The rebels had already done the same elsewhere.

Plastic cased ones which are difficult for de-mining teams to locate and not necessarily any record of where they put them.

Details here : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13243929

[Iterate]

5. Libya crisis: Rebels vow not to use landmines

I think this is the article you cited:

29 April 2011 Last updated at 20:30 GMT
Libya crisis: Rebels vow not to use landmines
By Stuart Hughes BBC News

...

Libya's opposition National Transitional Council (NTC) has now issued a formal pledge not to use landmines and to destroy all mines held in rebel stockpiles.

A communique signed by the Abdulhafeeth Gogha, vice chairman of the NTC, and seen by the BBC promises that "no forces under the command and control of the Libyan National Transitional Council will use anti-personnel or anti-vehicle landmines".
Treaty

It says forces under the command of the NTC "shall be requested to destroy all landmines in their possession" and to "co-operate in the provision of mine clearance, risk education, and victim assistance".

The communique also says that any future Libyan government should sign up to the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, that bans the production, use and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines.

...
more...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13243929

It's the only instance I know of for rebel use, and it was the PRB-M3 anti-tank mine. If you know of another, I'd love to see a link. I have looked, but google seems a bit overwhelmed.

I don't think I need to cite the dozens of follow-up articles saying the NTC has begun to follow up on its pledge, nor should it be necessary to cite the many instances where Gaddafi forces have continue to use them, even in Misrata Port, Misrata neighborhoods, Ajdabiya, Brega. It seems to be a habit when they fall into retreat. Perhaps that's why google is overwhelmed.

[A Simple Game]

4. No wonder we are mad at Gaddafi.

He should have been using good old made in the USA land mines.

We can say nothing about this. We are one of a handful of
countries that have not signed the international ban on land mines.

[defendandprotect]

6. kr

[On the Road]

7. It's a Sign of Desperation by the Government

Conventional weapons have not worked. More and more hardware is being destroyed. If the government believes it is still going to capture Misrata, they would not send mines that would blow up their own vehicles.