Libya rebels loot seized towns, says rights group...

Libyan rebel fighters who capture villages from forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have looted shops, burned homes and beaten people suspected of supporting the Libyan leader, Human Right Watch said.

Since Libya's conflict broke out five months ago, rights groups have focused on allegations of abuses by Gaddafi's forces. But the New York-based group said rebels in the Western Mountains region were committing abuses too.

In the past few weeks, the fighters have advanced to within 100 km (60 miles) of the Libyan capital, capturing several villages which had been used by Gaddafi's forces as bases for attacking rebel-held towns.

"Opposition forces say they are committed to human rights, but the looting, arson, and abuse of civilians in captured towns are worrying," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. More...

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