Anti-Gaddafi forces in Libya are consolidating their hold on the capital Tripoli and other parts of the country even as pro-Gaddafi fighters put up fierce resistance. Recent developments have given many Libyans who had fled fighting, the hope of a safe return to home. Opposition forces now claim to control 90 per cent of Libya, but their ultimate prize, the capture of Moammar Gaddafi, remains elusive. Pro-Gaddafi forces fired mortar rounds into the now-rebel held Bab al-Aziziya compound of Colonel Gaddafi in Tripoli. Opposition leaders say, their forces have arrested several government fighters still inside the complex but that there was no sign of any members of the Gaddafi family. Heavy fighting continued yesterday around Tripoli's airport, which the opposition says, is in its hands. Several rockets hit the airport tarmac and the fighting delayed plans to re-open the facility. Meanwhile, Libyan rebels have announced an amnesty for anyone within Col. Muammar Gaddafi's inner circle, who captures or kills him, and a 1.7 million dollar reward. Col. Gaddafi's whereabouts are unknown, though rebels say, he is still in or around Tripoli. Rebels fighters have fought running battles in the capital, where pockets of pro-Gaddafi resistance remain. The fugitive leader has vowed in an audio message to fight until victory or martyrdom. Col. Gaddafi's forces are still firmly in control of his birthplace – the strategic coastal city of Sirte as well as several key bases in southern Libya.
News On AIR | August 25, 2011 8:45 AM
Anti-Gaddafi forces consolidating their hold, Claim to control 90% of Libya