Obama dismisses widespread reports of possible links between Libyan rebels and al Qaeda, gives them $25 million

Libya rebels will receive $25 million from U.S.

Libyan rebel fighters drive by a previously destroyed tank belonging to Col. Moammar Gadhafi’s forces as the rebels make their way to the front line on the outskirts of Ajdabiya, Libya, on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Dismissing concerns over possible links between Libyan rebels and al Qaeda, the Obama administration has notified Congress it is providing $25 million in nonlethal aid to the rebels’ effort to drive Col. Moammar Gadhafi’s regime from power.