Libyan Conflict Human Rights Violations?

Land mines are flying, and fule tanks are exploding, and the Italians may be handing out guns.

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.

Misrata is Libya's third-largest city and a key port. It is largely controlled by rebels fighting to topple Col Gaddafi, but has been under siege for weeks.

The rebels said on Saturday that Italy had agreed to provide them with weapons "very soon".

But foreign ministry officials in Rome said they would only supply "self-defence material" - as agreed during an international meeting in Doha last month - not assault weapons.

By: Brant