The Libyan regime has launched a new assault on the opposition amidst growing international pressure. Forces loyal to Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi tried to retake the rebel-controlled towns of Zawiyah and the eastern city of Misurata overnight, but both attacks appear to have been repelled. Libyan fighter jets have reportedly bombed Zawiyah, and Gaddafi is said to have personally threatened more strikes unless rebels flee. In an interview with Western journalists Monday, Gaddafi again denied the massive uprising against his rule and continued to claim rebels seeking his ouster were drugged by al-Qaeda.

Muammar Gaddafi: “They are not against us. No one is against us. Against us for what? Because I’m not a president. They love me. All my people are with me, they love me all. They will die to protect me, my people.”

Christiane Amanpour: “If you say they do love you, then why are they capturing Benghazi and saying they’re against you?”

Muammar Gaddafi: “It’s al-Qaeda. It’s not my people. They came from outside.”

Jeremy Bowen: “So they’re the people pulling down the posters and putting up the flag of the king?”

Muammar Gaddafi: “It’s al-Qaeda. They went into military bases and seized arms, and they’re terrorizing the people. The people who had the weapons were youngsters. They’re starting to lay down their weapons now, as the drugs al-Qaeda gave them wear off.”