Armed US Drones To Start Libya Missions
Moussa Ibrahim: 'We will unleash hell upon Nato'
Rebel leaders and witnesses said at least 13 Libyan military officers, including two commanders, fled across the border.
A doctor with Tunisia's Red Crescent said the border post was in rebel hands and relief officials fear it could lead to a new wave of refugees.
"The main worry now is an influx of families fleeing the fighting in Libya," Dr Mongi Slim said.
"Before, when the post was under the control of the pro-Gaddafi forces, people had been crossing on little paths. But now it will be much easier."
But Sky's Tom Rayner, reporting from Tripoli, said Gaddafi's Government had denied these claims.
"They claim the rebels have control of the Tunisian side of the border, but they [the Government] have control of the Libyan side."
Meanwhile a passenger ferry carrying about 1,000 people fleeing the western city of Misratah has arrived in Benghazi.
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Tim Hetherington at a Benghazi rally in March
Also aboard the vessel are the bodies of British Oscar-nominated photographer and filmmaker Tim Hetherington and Getty photographer Chris Holdros.
They were killed on Wednesday in an attack that also injured two other photographers.
A statement from Mr Hetherington's family said he was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade.
It comes as the Ministry of Defence said Nato was now targeting most of its air effort on the besieged city because of what it called the "grievous situation" for the civilian population.
Rebels appear to be gaining more international support, including plans by Italy, France and Britain to send combat advisers and other nations pledging communications and other equipment under the Nato mission.
But Col Gaddafi's regime hit back with fierce threats if the alliance sends any troops to Libya.
"If Nato comes to Misratah, or any Libyan city, we will unleash hell upon Nato," Government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said.
"We will be a ball of fire. Libya will become one man, one woman, fighting for freedom. We will make it 10 times as bad as Iraq."
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April 22, 2011