US jet crashes over Libya; both crewmembers safe

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

AJDABIYA, Libya — Moammar Gadhafi’s forces shelled rebels regrouping outside a strategic eastern city on Tuesday and his snipers and tanks controlled the streets of the last opposition-held city in the west, signaling a prolonged battle ahead. An American fighter jet crashed over North African country, both crew ejecting safely.

The U.S. Africa Command said both crewmembers were safe after what was believed to be a mechanical failure of the Air Force F-15.

Disorganization among the rebels could hamper their attempts to exploit the air campaign by U.S. and European militaries. Since the uprising began on Feb. 15, the opposition has been made up of disparate groups even as it took control of the entire east of the country.