Posts tagged tripoli
Rebels Capture Tripoli Amid Claims That Gaddafi Has Run Away ‘Like A Coward’
Aug 21st
Libya Falls To Rebel Forces
Rebel leaders have taken control of Tripoli and arrested Colonel Gaddafi’s sons Saif al-Islam and Mohammad. On a night of extraordinary developments in the Libyan capital, the rebels advanced through the city capturing the central Green Square as the regime crumbled.
Three of Colonel Gaddafi's sons were last night reported to be in the hands of Libyan rebels as rumours spread that the tyrant himself had fled the capital. The British representative of the rebels said he believed Gaddafi may even have gone to Algeria but other reports said the dictator, who has been in power for 42 murderous years, was actually moving around a series of bomb-proof bunkers and tunnels beneath the capital Tripoli.
In a symbolic move the rebels immediately began calling it Martyr’s Square, rejecting the colour so associated with Gaddafi’s despised regime. Thousands took to the streets to celebrate the rebels’ success, firing guns into the air, chanting loudly and destroying symbols of Gaddafi.
Many Tripoli residents received a text message from the rebel leadership saying: ‘God is Great. We congratulate the Libyan people on the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.’ During their advance the rebels also confirmed that they had captured Gaddafi’s son Saif, and Gaddafi’s eldest son Mohammad said that he had been detained by rebels and was being kept under house arrest in Tripoli.
‘Gunmen surrounded my house and I am still at home and they are outside,’ he said by telephone from Tripoli.
‘They said they will guarantee my safety. They are besieging my house,’ he added.
Sidiq al-Kibir, the rebel leadership council’s representative for the capital Tripoli, confirmed the arrest, before leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil, gave further details.
He said: ‘He is being kept in a secure place under close guard until he is handed over to the judiciary.’ The dictator’s personal security team were also reported to have been disarmed and surrendered. The leaders of the rebels had previously announced that they would allow Gaddafi to leave safely if he announced his departure.
In a move that was designed to avoid a bloodbath, rebel chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil said the Libyan leader and his sons would be given a safe passage out of the country. The dictator’s personal security team were also reported to have been disarmed and surrendered. Mahmoud Shammam, the rebel minister of information, said that the unit commander ‘has joined the revolution and ordered his soldiers to drop their weapons.’
Gaddafi’s supporters insisted that thousands of fighters were ready to defend him to the death and warned that blood would run in the streets amid reports of heavy gunfire elsewhere in the city. During their advance on the city rebel forces were being pounded by rockets, anti-aircraft shells and mortars, and there were fears that with Nato unable to support them from the air at such close quarters there could be military and civilian deaths on a massive scale.
One official said: ‘What Nato can do is very limited if there is street-by-street fighting.’ Gaddafi had also placed snipers on tall buildings with orders to shoot ‘anything that moves’. At least 375 people were reported killed on both sides and more than 1,000 wounded. source – Daily Mail UK
Blasts And Anti-aircraft Fire Rock Gaddafi Tripoli Compound
Mar 21st
Bombs aweigh
Loud explosions and barrages of anti-aircraft fire were heard near the Tripoli compound of Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi on Monday night, an AFP correspondent says.
Air strike ... pro-Gaddafi troops are bombed by coalition forces on the road between Benghazi and Ajdabiya. Photo: Reuters
Loud explosions and barrages of anti-aircraft fire were heard near the Tripoli compound of Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi on Monday night, an AFP correspondent says. The volleys erupted about 7.00pm GMT (6.00am AEDT) near the Bab el-Aziziya barracks in the south of Tripoli, the correspondent said. Libyan state television confirmed what it called the “crusader enemy” attacks. ”These attacks are not going to scare the Libyan people,” the TV broadcast said.
Similar explosions rocked the capital on Sunday night, with coalition officials on Monday saying an administrative building in Gaddafi’s fortified complex, about 50 metres from the tent where he generally meets guests, had been destroyed by a cruise missile. Britain, France and the US began launching strikes with aircraft and cruise missiles on targets in Libya late on Saturday in line with a UN Security Council resolution authorising any measures to stop Kadhafi harming civilians in a campaign by his forces to subdue an uprising.
US President Barack Obama said on Monday that Gaddafi must leave power, but stressed the United States would stick to the UN mandate in its military action in Libya. ”Our military action is in support of an international mandate from the Security Council that specifically focuses on the humanitarian threat posed by Colonel Gaddafi to his people,” Obama told a press conference. Obama said as part of the international coalition now enforcing a no-fly zone in Libya, he had “authorised the United States military to work with our international partners to fulfill that mandate”. ”Now, I also have stated that it is US policy that Gaddafi needs to go,” Obama added after talks in Santiago with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera.” source – The Age
Gaddafi Prepares Rebel Counter-attack
Feb 27th
When push comes to shove
Gaddafi is not shy about wiping out his own people to retain power, and the rebels have no intention of backing off, so it should be very interesting to see over the next few days how this all plays out.
Gaddafi is not backing down, and neither are the rebels.
(Reuters) – Rebels awaited counter-attack by Muammar Gaddafi’s forces on Monday, after the Libyan leader defied calls for him to quit in the hardest-fought of the Arab world’s wave of uprisings so far. Rebels holding Zawiyah, only 50 km (30 miles) west of Tripoli, said about 2,000 troops loyal to Gaddafi had surrounded the city.
“We will do our best to fight them off. They will attack soon,” said a former police major who switched sides and joined the rebellion. “If we are fighting for freedom, we are ready to die for it.”
Residents even in parts of the capital have thrown up barricades against government forces. A general in the east of the country, where Gaddafi’s power has evaporated, told Reuters his forces were ready to help rebels in the west. ”Our brothers in Tripoli say: “We are fine so far, we do not need help’. If they ask for help we are ready to move,” said General Ahmed el-Gatrani, one of most senior figures in the mutinous army in Benghazi. Analysts say they expect rebels to eventually take the capital and kill or capture Gaddafi, but add that he has the firepower to foment chaos or civil war — a prospect he and his sons have warned of.” source – Reuters
The End Is Near For Qaddafi
Feb 27th
The Libyan Madman’s days are numbered
Libyan rebels control most of Libya’s oil production facilities, have taken over another town and are closing in on Tripoli, Muammar Qaddafi’s sole base. Reporters in the city of Zariwa, where Qaddafi’s supporters took them to show how its forces were in control, saw opposition fighters flying their own flag and controlling barricades in the city, where intense fighting took place last week. Qaddafi continued to thump his version of events, charging that Libyan youth are being drugged to go on a rampage of “destruction and sabotage.” He continues to hold on to the capital of Tripoli, but the opposition has firm control of most of the oil production facilities in Africa’s richest oil country.
Virtually the entire world has turned against Qaddafi, with the Arab League, the United Nations Security Council and Western powers demanding he end his slaughter of opponents and his 41-year-long rule. The Libyan delegation to the Arab League in Cairo has condemned Qaddafi for “heinous crimes against unarmed citizens.” The UK, which had been accused of freeing the Lockerbie bomber for an oil deal, has joined the condemnation.
A bloody battle is in store in Tripoli, where opponents to the regime fear Qaddafi will unleash planes to bomb them, as he did last week to prevent rebels from reaching munitions stored in an abandoned military base. The U.N. Security Council resolution Saturday against Qaddafi included an unprecedented call to the International Criminal Court hear evidence of his war crimes. Latest reports indicate that Qaddafi’s troops and mercenaries have murdered well over 2,000 people. The opposition movement has organized itself and established a transitional government that “will lead for no more than three months, and then there will be fair elections and the people will choose their leader,” according to Mustafa Abdel Jalil, formerly a justice minister under Qaddafi. source – Israel National News
Obama’s Red Carpet, Gaddafi’s Red Streets
Feb 26th
The Middle East continues to have blood covered streets. The Libyan people are hiding in their homes because they know if they go outside they will become a target of Gaddafi’s pick off game. What is Obama doing? Being serenaded by celebrities at the White House. Yes, while people are dodging bullets in the streets of Tripoli Obama’s clapping his skinny hands together to Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Obama’s found another reason to take advantage of their White House reign by inviting personal serenades from artists such as: Sheryl Crowe, Nick Jonas, Jamie Foxx, Seal, John Legend, Natasha Bedingfield, Glorianna, Smokey Robinson, and more. Prior to the main event, the Food Police-In-Chief Michelle held a student workshop where she spoke of Motown artists who bridged the racial gap. She also went on to say that regardless of where you’re born or your upbringing, you can become anything. That’s for sure just look at her husband! We still don’t know where he was born and regardless of the fact that his resume was a one liner for community organizing, he’s now the leader of the free world! It was the sixth “In Performance at the White House” event since Obama placed his hand on Lincoln’s Bible. Speaking to the students Mrs. Obama said: ‘Motown’s music was so much more than a soundtrack, it was the heartbeat.” Aww, isn’t that sweet? While Michelle is shaking her junk in her trunk, no attention is being paid to the man who’s ruthlessly ceasing the heartbeats of hundreds in the streets of Tripoli.
People ask, “Well, what’s Obama supposed to do? Send troops into Libya?” No. I’m not saying we send American troops into Libya. What I am saying is this Wimp-in-Chief should be out on a regular basis condemning Gaddafi for his bloodshed and standing by the Libyan people. It is a total disgrace when the head of the United States is hosting parties Puff Daddy style while people in the Middle East are crying out for some support! A young Libyan man yesterday spoke up saying that he understands that America is solely concerned about the oil but he just wants some support from us. Instead, Obama joins in with other nations in their attempt to implement sanctions. Sanctions? Boy that’ll work! Maybe Gaddafi can read those stipulations from his little green book in between shots fired.
I expected there to be some major outrage in the fact that once again Obama is completely emotionally and mentally disconnected from world events while he prefers to live in his little elitist bubble. Maybe we can set up a replica of Disneyland’s “It’s A Small World” happy ride in the White House since that’s the way he sees things. After all he did say he was a citizen of the world. There was outrage alright regarding the Motown party but not for reasons one would assume. Instead of the outrage being focused on the fact that once again the Obama’s are shakin’ it like a salt shaker as the world collapses, various articles missed the entire sinking boat! Instead, they moaned and groaned that there were too many white artists at a black event! The UK Daily Mail titled ‘’Obama’s host Motown party for Black History month but WHITE artists fill half the bill!” No joke. That is the actual title, caps and all. The Huffington Post even had an online poll if Michelle’s metallic dress was a ‘’hit or miss.” As images of blood covered innocence lay in the streets of Tripoli, America is talking about Michelle’s designer clothes.
The other aspect of this that just burns my American core is the fact that while the White House party preparation was taking place, Americans were waiting long emotionally trying days to get out of Libya’s danger zone. The US chartered ferry had to sit put due to bad weather conditions, thus putting Americans in serious danger. One hundred sixty-seven Americans became sitting ducks for Gaddafi to implement his tyranny on our citizens and Obama made no comment regarding the delay. I guess since he’s on a constant delay it’s difficult for him to recognize one.
Any person that has any sense of humanity or sense of care running through their veins would see something seriously wrong with the American President rubbing elbows with celebrities while he should be in front of his TelePrompTer denouncing the brutal murders taking place in Libya. This is not a time for parties. When we retire him in 2012, maybe he can become a Hollywood party organizer instead of an Alinsky community organizer. We already know he’s good at putting up drapes. I hear the hit show Two and a Half Men needs a new leading man.
America can’t be the savior for all. America can’t always send troops in wherever injustices are flourishing. However, sometimes just words of encouragement or recognition that a country like America hears your cries or supports you is all it takes. Sometimes when we feel down and out, we don’t look for someone to give us all the answers. It’s often enough to simply have someone say I hear you or I understand you. That is what the Libyan people are asking. What’s happening over-seas is not a laughing matter. Unfortunately Obama doesn’t get it. It’s like playing the song “if you’re happy and your know it clap your hands” to a scene in Black Hawk Down. Obama’s rolling out the red carpet while Gaddafi’s bullets are painting Tripoli’s streets red.
The fact is that this President has no heart. His blood runs cold. The truth is Obama warned us that he would fundamentally change America and that is exactly what he is doing. Maybe its better that he just stay put behind closed doors under his strobe light and continue listening to celebs serenade his ego. He doesn’t represent America. He doesn’t represent what Americans stand for or believe in. Please, let ME be clear now Mr. President: you are an utter disgrace and total embarrassment to the United States of America.
Gaddafi Shoots Own Citizens Dead In The Street
Feb 25th
There will be blood
(Reuters) – Government forces shot dead two protesters in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Friday, Al Jazeera television reported, as a popular uprising against Muammar Gaddafi closed in on his main power base. Pro-Gaddafi forces opened fire after hundreds of people in the Janzour district in western Tripoli started a protest march after Friday prayers, a resident, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters in an email. He said protesters were also shouting anti-Gaddafi slogans in Fashloum in the city’s east, and another resident said security forces had fired into the air there. Al Jazeera said two people had been killed and several wounded in heavy shooting in several districts.
Tripoli and the surrounding area, where Gaddafi’s forces had managed to stifle earlier protests, appear to be his last main stronghold as the revolt that has put the east under rebel control has also reportedly advanced through the west. Zawiyah, an oil refining town on the main coastal highway 50 km (30 miles) west of Tripoli, has on successive nights fought off attempts by government forces to take control, said witnesses who fled across the Tunisian border at Ras Jdir. “There are corpses everywhere … It’s a war in the true sense of the word,” said Akila Jmaa, who crossed into Tunisia on Friday after traveling from the town.” source – Reueters
Deadly Civil War Imminent for Libya, Obama Slow to Respond
Feb 23rd
Threat of civil war looms as President Obama struggles to find his voice
Muammar Gaddafi remains defiant and is using African mercenaries to slaughter Libyan citizens. At least 300 deaths have been confirmed by human rights groups, but Italy’s foreign minister Franco Frattini has estimated that there have been closer to 1000 killed. President Obama has finally chosen to speak out against the violence within Libya, and the Washington Post has criticized the Obama administration’s response, saying it was once again “slow to find it’s voice.” The reason the administration gave for the delay in addressing the plight of the Libyan people, is that it didn’t want to put American citizens inside Libya in greater danger of attack by a desperate Gaddafi.
“By late Wednesday only one major Western leader had failed to speak up on Libya: Barack Obama…Late Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Obama finally appeared at a White House podium. He said “we strongly condemn the use of violence in Libya,” but he did not mention Mr. Gaddafi or call for his removal. He said the administration was preparing a “full range of options” to respond but didn’t say what those might be.” source: Washington Post
A major showdown between Gaddafi loyalists and protesters is coming, and President Obama’s best idea is to hide behind the the skirt of the world and the UN Human Rights Council, hoping that someone else will act so he doesn’t have to. ”It is imperative that the nations and the peoples of the world speak with one voice,” he said. “That has been our focus.”
“Anywhere we go there is danger,” said one woman, a 28-year-old mother of four who asked not to be named. “All we want is food and fresh water for our children but it is impossible to find.”Security is the only concern of the authorities.”
The Libyan people are scared and suffering; markets also feel the fear
Gaddafi is willing to crush his own people and sabotage Libya’s oil lines and wealth to hold on to his power, and it appears that no one is going to stop him.
“Oil surged to $100 a barrel in New York for the first time in two years. Libya is Africa’s third-biggest supplier, and violence threatened to spread to other Middle East producers.
Egyptians crossing back into their country across a border now in the hands of Qaddafi’s opponents described attacks by government forces in the capital. Soldiers and militiamen shot at civilians and most people stayed home out of fear, they said.
“Gunfire starts at sunset and lasts all night in Tripoli,” said Mohamed Hassan, a carpenter. Yasser al-Badry, also a carpenter, said live bullets were “all over the ground” after one crackdown against protesters in the capital.” source: Bloomberg
Mercenaries prepare for an all-out offensive
BAIDA, Libya — Thousands of African mercenaries and militiamen were massing on roads heading toward Tripoli on Wednesday to reinforce the stronghold of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi as rebels protesting his 40-year rule claimed to have taken control of cities closer to the capital, witnesses said.
The week-old uprising that has swept Libya now appears headed for a decisive stage, with Colonel Qaddafi fortifying his bastion in Tripoli and opponents in the capital saying they were making plans for their first coordinated protest. source: NY Times
