Monday, August 22, 2011

Libya conflict: Fighting rages near Gaddafi compound

BBC News:



Libyan rebels have tightened their grip on Tripoli, after they launched an overnight assault on the capital from several directions.
Rebel commanders say they have taken control of about 80% of the city, including state TV headquarters.
Fighting is still raging around Col Muammar Gaddafi's compound, but it is unclear whether he is still in Tripoli.
World leaders have urged Col Gaddafi to step down, and Egypt has recognised the rebels as the legitimate government.
The rebels were met by jubilant crowds in central Green Square, which was previously the scene of nightly pro-Gaddafi demonstrations.
But elsewhere in the city they met stiff resistance.
A rebel spokesman said his forces came under fire from tanks emerging from the Gaddafi compound at Bab al-Azizia early on Monday, and witnesses say there has been sustained gunfire in the area throughout the day.
Rebel leader Mustafa Abdul Jalil, head of the National Transitional Council (NTC), told a news conference on Monday afternoon that areas around the Gaddafi compound were not yet under rebel control.
He added that he had no idea where the colonel was, saying: "We have no knowledge of Gaddafi being there, or whether he is still in or outside Libya."
Mr Abdul Jalil reiterated earlier claims that the rebels have captured Col Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam.

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