In a move that suggests they retains more military hardware than anyone knew, the Gadhafi regime launched attacks with fighter jets and attack helicopters, targeting a refinery in central Libya and attacking the western city of Zawiya in force.

The attacks on Central Libya were repelled by anti-aircraft weapons controlled by defectors, and unconfirmed reports say that the forces believe they may have downed an attack helicopter which was badly damaged during the attack.

Meanwhile, the rebel leaders expressed shock at the ease with which they repelled the ground attack on Zawiya, saying it raises questions over whether they overestimated the strength of the mercenary forces loyal to the dictator.

Indeed, of all the attacks officials for the protest movement say that only one, an attack on a weapons depot, did any real damage, and it does not appear that there were any casualties in any of the attacks.

Last 5 posts by Jason Ditz

• Centrifuge Glitch Fuels Latest Iran Scare Stories - May 25th, 2012
• Iraq MPs Push Return to Saddam-Era Conscription Laws - May 25th, 2012
• US Negotiator on Iran to 'Reaffirm Our Unshakeable Commitment to Israel' - May 25th, 2012
• UN: Syria Bombings Likely by 'Established Terrorist Groups' - May 25th, 2012
• Military to Avoid Embarrassing Pictures by Banning Photography - May 25th, 2012