Libyan Rebels Prepare to Defend Main Stronghold

TOBRUK, Libya — Libya's opposition says it is ready to defend its main stronghold in the rebel-controlled east if Moammar Gadhafi's forces try to advance toward it.

The rebels are battling to hold Ajdabiya, the last major city on the road to Benghazi.

Opposition spokesman Mustafa Gheriani says regime forces will face an even stiffer challenge if they try to take Benghazi, which he warns is "armed to the teeth."

He says the opposition is hoping for a U.N. Security Council vote on assisting the rebels later Thursday.

A resident says Ajdabiya is besieged by regime forces and has been hit by hours of airstrikes.

Moataz al-Ghariani says it is not clear if the government or rebels, who say they have a few planes, are carrying them out.