US sends drones to Libya, battle rages for Misrata

A rebel fighter looks through bullet holes as he takes cover during a firefight and shelling near Tripoli street in Misrata, yesterday. REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis

MISRATA, Libya, (Reuters) – The United States has started using armed drones against Muammar Gaddafi’s troops, who battled rebels at close quarters on the streets of Misrata, despite Western threats to step up a month-old air war.

Rebels welcomed the deployment of U.S. unmanned aircraft and said they hoped the move would protect civilians.

Doctors at the hospital in Misrata, the rebels’ last major