Gadhafi Army Mining South of Tripoli

The army of Moammar Gadhafi has laid land mines in Libya's Nafusa Mountains to counter rebel attacks there, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday.

The mountains, which lie to the south of Tripoli, have been the site of clashes between the two sides, as the rebels attempt to edge toward the capital.

Rebels claim to have removed around 169 mines from the area. The ordnance was later inspected by Human Rights Watch.

"These anti-personnel land mines pose a huge threat to civilians," said Steve Goose, arms director for the advocacy group.

The organization said it had now discovered mines in six locations across Libya.

Five types of mine were found, including the difficult-to-detect Brazilian-made T-AB-1, an anti-personnel mine that can also be used as part of an anti-vehicle mine.