LIBYA:Fighting intensifies in Tripoli
Laaska News August 22,2011
Fighting is intensifying between Libyan government troops and NATO-backed opposition forces in the capital, Tripoli. This comes as opposition forces say they have captured the 2nd son and heir apparent of the country’s leader, Muammar al-Qadhafi.
Fighting has spread to central Tripoli. Witnesses say the opposition forces seized an airport in the capital on Sunday, while government troops fiercely fought back using rockets and other weapons.
Many people on both sides are believed to have been killed or wounded.
The opposition forces told a satellite TV station that they have captured Qadhafi’s son, Saif al-Islam. But they did not give details of where and how he was seized.
Qadhafi released a statement on state-run television on Sunday saying he has ordered that weapons stockpiles be opened to the public. The statement calls on all Libyans to join the fight and says Qadhafi will be with them until the end.
A Tripoli resident told NHK that government troops are gathering near Qadhafi’s home and that snipers have been positioned on nearby high-rise buildings.
NATO, the United States and Britain have issued separate statements indicating that Qadhafi’s regime is nearing its end. They also renewed their calls on Qadhafi to step down immediately to avoid further bloodshed.
NHK.
Laaska News.
www.laaska.wordpress.com
