24 Aug 2011

Gaddafi ‘to fight on to death or victory’

Muammar Gaddafi has vowed to fight on to death or victory after Libya’s rebels forced him to abandon his Bab al-Aziziya compound. Rebels reportedly believe Gaddafi is hiding somewhere in Tripoli.

Libya kids - Reuters

Gaddafi’s whereabouts are still unknown, but a rebel official has said he believes he is still in Tripoli, according to Reuters reports.

Heavy fighting and gunfire is continuing in the south of Tripoli.

Nato role to ‘continue for some time’

Foreign Secretary William Hague says Britain and Nato’s role will “continue for some time” as Libya faces humanitarian and political challenges.

“We are witnessing the fall of Tripoli. But we don’t know how long it will take,” he said.

Hague also admitted he had no idea where Colonel Gaddafi is. But he called on the Colonel to order his supporters to stop the violence.

Gaddafi should be telling his forces now to stand down.

“We’ve witnessed scenes of jubilation, which show a clear fundamental and decisive rejection of that regime by the Libyan people.”

Breaking into the compound

Libyan rebels smashed their way into Colonel Gaddafi‘s fortified compound on Tuesday, taking control of his headquarters in Tripoli.

Gaddafi said in audio remarks broadcast on al-Rai TV that Tripoli residents must “cleanse” the Libyan capital from rebels.

“All Libyans must be present in Tripoli, young men, tribal men and women must sweep through Tripoli and comb it for traitors,” the Libyan leader said.

“I have been out a bit in Tripoli discreetly, without being seen by people, and … I did not feel that Tripoli was in danger,” he added.

Urging Libyans to cleanse the streets of traitors, he said he had secretly toured Tripoli.

“I have been out a bit in Tripoli discreetly, without being seen by people, and … I did not feel that Tripoli was in danger,” Gaddafi said.

Read more: Gaddafi could have underground escape road - engineer