Following are excerpts
from a TV report on a training camp for Libyan rebels in Benghazi, which
aired on March 24, 2011:
Reporter: The
"February 17 Camp" has become a familiar name these days.
It is the meeting place for all the people who want to defend Benghazi,
and the other cities under rebel control.
Libyan rebel:
There are hundreds of volunteers. Some of them are preparing to defend
Benghazi and its institutions, such as factories and banks. Some, with
military experience, head towards the frontline, and others deploy along
the defense lines of Benghazi, and the military posts defending the
city.
Reporter: The
hundreds of volunteers undergo training in the use of all types of weapons
– both light and heavy.
Uniformed Libyan rebel:
We get a general idea about the weapons we have, and we undergo specialized
training on a weapon – on RPGs, rocket launchers, 106 m [recoilless
rifles], and so on. After that, we go armed to the front.
Young Libyan rebel:
I came from the city of Darnah to Benghazi. I am of the fidayeen
youth, and I want to sacrifice everything I have. I don't have anything,
but Allah be praised, with my courage and strong faith, I have come
to help the young [rebels], along with my brothers. This is all I have
to offer, Allah be praised.
Reporter: The
fervent cries are heard loud and clear from the young volunteers.
The weapons in the camp range from personal rifles to anti-aircraft
weapons.
The advanced age of some
volunteers has not prevented them from joining the camp, which includes
all sectors, including university lecturers. They have all come to this
place, which has become the main transit stop for anybody who wants
to join the battlefront.
Elderly Libyan rebel:
What is fear to a man who has reached the age of 60? This is our present
and our future. [Al-Qadhafi's forces] are fighting our young men in
the most despicable ways.
Reporter: Many
of the rebels have come to the camp to arm themselves with weapons,
on their way to the frontline. These rebels stress that Al-Qadhafi's
recent attacks only make them more determined and resolute to defend
the liberated areas, whatever the cost and the sacrifice may be.
[...]