Apart from being outnumbered, the rebels were also untrained in battle, disorganised and lacked weapons, so they stood no chance of success.
Militarily, the rebels lack the resources to topple the President, Western diplomats say.
While highly motivated, the rebels lack a coordinated attack, good communications equipment and logistical support, officials said.
The rebels lacked guns, and they used birch branches as weapons.
Because the rebels lacked rifles and other modern weaponry, they were decimerated after 3 Japanese strikes.
But the rebels still lack sufficient arms, particularly antitank weapons and heavy artillery.
Just as bad, the rebels lacked a leader.
However, the report noted the rebels lacked a unified command and that Gaddafi loyalists and snipers remained at large in many areas of Tripoli.
A8 An Afghan official urged Washington to reconsider U.S. policy and acknowledge that rebels lack the power to dislodge the Government.
These rebels at this time still generally lacked political ambition.