History will remember this day as one in which the revolutionaries of the Arab Spring took one of their biggest leaps towards freedom and democracy.
For Tunisia, the birthplace of the uprisings and reforms that swept across North Africa and the Middle East, voters turned out in en masse to cast ballots for a 217-person assembly that will forge a new government and constitution.
For Libya, the day marked the official declaration of liberation by the Transitional National Council and the freedom fighters who ousted the regime of Moammar Gadhafi.
An estimated two-thirds of eligible voters in Tunisia cast ballots 10 months after street vender Mohamed Bouazizi, 26, doused himself with a flammable liquid, set himself ablaze in Sidi Bouzid and triggered the unprecedented and thriving freedom movement.
The breaking point came Dec. 17, 2010 for Bouazizi, when a policewoman unlawfully confiscated his vegetable cart and produce in the city located 190 miles south of Tunis.
His self-immolation triggered street protests across the country that were met with a heavy-handed response by President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali's security forces and secret police.
The thirst for freedom only grew for the Tunisian people, who were already plagued with poor wages, lousy living conditions and out-of-control inflation.
Bouazizi suffered and eventually died on Jan. 4 2011. Ali was toppled 10 days later.
"I congratulate the millions of Tunisians who voted in the first democratic elections to take place in the country that changed the course of history and began the Arab Spring," President Obama said in a statement.
"Just as so many Tunisian citizens protested peacefully in streets and squares to claim their rights, today they stood in lines and cast their votes to determine their own future," Obama said.
Conditions were not much better for the Libyan middle class, even with an ocean of oil under their desert country. Gadhafi used the excessive profits to fill the treasuries of his family, his henchmen and African despots who had pledged their allegiance.
But backed by the most powerful coalition air force and navy on the planet, the revolutionaries were transformed by foreign military advisers from a rag-tag band of spirited, but ill-trained and equipped fighters into a force able to execute one of the most impressive offensives in modern history.
Like Tunisia, the new Libya presents the potential for democratic reform and freedom from tyranny. The TNC has vowed to embrace reform as it seeks to rebuild its nation.
"The transitional authorities can build on this movement by promoting reconciliation and respect for human rights across Libyan society, while helping to prevent reprisals and ensuring the justice and due process that the Libyan people expect and deserve," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement.
"The path to democracy is a long-term process that requires the participation of all Libyans," Clinton added.
It is very, very early to predict how the freedom movement will continue to play out, but the path that the revolution has taken shows signs that Bouazizi's extreme form of protest and ultimate sacrifice was not for nothing.
Showing posts with label NATO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NATO. Show all posts
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Gadhafi's Demise: The Drone, the Mirage and the Unknown Gunman
As the fog of war slowly lifts in Libya, it still is not clear how exactly Moammar Gadhafi died Thursday while trying to flee his hometown of Sirte in a conspicuous convoy of about 100 vehicles.
What is known, thanks to confirmations today out of Washington and Paris, is that an American Predator drone teamed up with a French Mirage 2000 fighter jet to halt the convey and send its passengers scrambling, including Gadhafi.
Both the Predator and Mirage fired on the convoy, striking at least two vehicles. As videos and photos show, Gadhafi was wounded in those strikes, but was very much alive after he ran and hid in a roadside storm drain.
Revolutionary forces quickly hunted down the men who ran from their vehicles, finding several, including Gadhafi, down the drain.
Video and still photos show Gadhafi being roughed-up, but still alive in the revolutionary fighters' custody. A short while later, he was dead apparently the victim of a gunshot wound to the head, and, according to some reports, his chest and stomach, as well.
In Geneva, Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the images "are very disturbing" because they suggest Gadhafi was killed after he was captured.
"We believe there is a need for an investigation," Colville said. "More details are needed to ascertain whether he was killed in some form of fighting or was executed after his capture."
So far there is no great rush by the governments in Tripoli, Washington, Paris, London, Ottawa or Istanbul to make a big deal of the details of the death of Gadhafi, whose body was put on ice in Misurata while people decide what to do with his remains.
Instead, the more universal sentiment from the revolutionary government, NATO members and their allies is that, for Gadhafi, the Arab Spring is over and the world is better off without him.
What is known, thanks to confirmations today out of Washington and Paris, is that an American Predator drone teamed up with a French Mirage 2000 fighter jet to halt the convey and send its passengers scrambling, including Gadhafi.
Both the Predator and Mirage fired on the convoy, striking at least two vehicles. As videos and photos show, Gadhafi was wounded in those strikes, but was very much alive after he ran and hid in a roadside storm drain.
Revolutionary forces quickly hunted down the men who ran from their vehicles, finding several, including Gadhafi, down the drain.
Video and still photos show Gadhafi being roughed-up, but still alive in the revolutionary fighters' custody. A short while later, he was dead apparently the victim of a gunshot wound to the head, and, according to some reports, his chest and stomach, as well.
In Geneva, Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the images "are very disturbing" because they suggest Gadhafi was killed after he was captured.
"We believe there is a need for an investigation," Colville said. "More details are needed to ascertain whether he was killed in some form of fighting or was executed after his capture."
So far there is no great rush by the governments in Tripoli, Washington, Paris, London, Ottawa or Istanbul to make a big deal of the details of the death of Gadhafi, whose body was put on ice in Misurata while people decide what to do with his remains.
Instead, the more universal sentiment from the revolutionary government, NATO members and their allies is that, for Gadhafi, the Arab Spring is over and the world is better off without him.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Gadhafi Reported Captured and Dead Near Sirte
Moammar Gadhafi was killed this morning, possibly while trying to flee his hometown Sirte when NATO warplanes attacked his convey, Reuters is reporting.
There are also reports that Gadhafi was only wounded and remains alive in the custody of revolutionary forces.
Celebrations are erupting throughput Libya, but U.S. officials are cautiously optimistic that the unconfirmed reports of Gadhafi's demise will pan out.
Gadhafi has been rumored to be hiding in Sirte or Bani Walid, the last two remaining loyalist strongholds since the vfdalkl of the regiume in August. Bani walid fell last week, but revolutionary forces are still fighting their way through Sirte, where Gadhafi was born.
There are also reports that Gadhafi was only wounded and remains alive in the custody of revolutionary forces.
Celebrations are erupting throughput Libya, but U.S. officials are cautiously optimistic that the unconfirmed reports of Gadhafi's demise will pan out.
Gadhafi has been rumored to be hiding in Sirte or Bani Walid, the last two remaining loyalist strongholds since the vfdalkl of the regiume in August. Bani walid fell last week, but revolutionary forces are still fighting their way through Sirte, where Gadhafi was born.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
U.S. Puts High Priority on Rounding Up Gadhafi's Weapons
Even as the Libyan rebels battle for control of the remaining Gadhafi-loyalist strongholds, the U.S. and NATO allies are engaged in swift and serious programs aimed at destroying the regimes' weapons before they get into the hands of arms dealers or terrorists.
Stealthy Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Tripoli since the government of Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown, revealed today the deep concern the Obama administration has for loose arms, including shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missiles and chemical weapons.
"We will stay focused on security: I am pleased to announce that we are going to put even more money into helping Libya secure and destroy dangerous stockpiles of weapons," Clinton said.
"And the Administration, working with Congress, is going to provide $40 million to support this effort. We will also work with Libya to destroy chemical weapons stocks, she added.
Moammar Gadhafi had about 20,000 shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missiles before NATO warplanes and missiles starting taking them out, according to U.S. intelligence estimates. The U.S. wants to corral the shoulder-launched missiles that were not destroyed in the revolution or captured by the anti-Gadhafi forces.
Eventually, the U.S. and NATO will want the TNC to account for weapons on both sides of the revolution.
The U.S. already has invested about $6 million, putting arms-disposal experts on the ground in Libya to track and round up conventional weapons, and funding to two European mine-clearing operations.
The U.S. will oversee the decommissioning and safe storage of weapons in "a months-long effort," Assistant Secretary of State for political-military affairs Andrew Shapiro announced late last month.
"We’re going to continue until the new government of Libya is able to manage the stockpiles on their own," Shapiro said.
On the political front, Clinton, who met with Transitional National Council Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil, provisional Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril and provisional Finance and Oil Minister Ali Tarhouni, called for clean elections within eight months.
"There are many people who say they support elections, but only if they get elected. They want one election, one time, and then if they are elected no more elections," Clinton told reporters, during a visit that had remained a secret until she arrived in Tripoli.
"So these are all the kinds of challenges that Libyans will face in putting together their democracy. But people must renounce violence, they must give up arms, they must be committed to a democracy that respects the rights of all," Clinton emphasized.
Stealthy Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Tripoli since the government of Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown, revealed today the deep concern the Obama administration has for loose arms, including shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missiles and chemical weapons.
"We will stay focused on security: I am pleased to announce that we are going to put even more money into helping Libya secure and destroy dangerous stockpiles of weapons," Clinton said.
"And the Administration, working with Congress, is going to provide $40 million to support this effort. We will also work with Libya to destroy chemical weapons stocks, she added.
Moammar Gadhafi had about 20,000 shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missiles before NATO warplanes and missiles starting taking them out, according to U.S. intelligence estimates. The U.S. wants to corral the shoulder-launched missiles that were not destroyed in the revolution or captured by the anti-Gadhafi forces.
Eventually, the U.S. and NATO will want the TNC to account for weapons on both sides of the revolution.
The U.S. already has invested about $6 million, putting arms-disposal experts on the ground in Libya to track and round up conventional weapons, and funding to two European mine-clearing operations.
The U.S. will oversee the decommissioning and safe storage of weapons in "a months-long effort," Assistant Secretary of State for political-military affairs Andrew Shapiro announced late last month.
"We’re going to continue until the new government of Libya is able to manage the stockpiles on their own," Shapiro said.
On the political front, Clinton, who met with Transitional National Council Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil, provisional Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril and provisional Finance and Oil Minister Ali Tarhouni, called for clean elections within eight months.
"There are many people who say they support elections, but only if they get elected. They want one election, one time, and then if they are elected no more elections," Clinton told reporters, during a visit that had remained a secret until she arrived in Tripoli.
"So these are all the kinds of challenges that Libyans will face in putting together their democracy. But people must renounce violence, they must give up arms, they must be committed to a democracy that respects the rights of all," Clinton emphasized.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Rebels Attack Gadhafi Forces in Two of Four Remaining Strongholds
Libyan rebels ended their waiting game and attacked Gadhafi forces in Bani Walid and outside Sirte today on the eve of the loosely held deadline for those cities to surrender peacefully.
NATO warplanes were seen overhead as the attacks were launched in Bani Walid, according to media reports.
Frustration set in after several broken-promises in talks between city elders and the rebels, prompting the anti-Gadhafi forces to finally commence with what they hope will be the last phases of fighting in Libya.
"The straw that broke the camel's back was the rocket fire from the Gadhafi forces the last 24 hours," said a foreign diplomatic official who closely monitors the Libyan revolution.
The rebels are attacking from at least two directions in Bani Walid, where Moammar Gadhafi has been said to be in hiding, the Associated Press reported. Gadhafi earned a spot on Interpol's most-wanted list overnight.
"They are inside the city. They are fighting with snipers," Abdullah Kenshil, the rebels' chief negotiator said of the anti-Gadhafi forces. "They forced this on us and it was in self-defense."
The fighting for Sirte remains well outside the city, according to the BBC. Sirte is Gadhafi's hometown and is a stronghold for his tribe.
There were no reports of fighting in the two other Gadhafi strongholds of Sabha and Jufra.
The Transitional National Council, meanwhile, continued to move its senior officials from Benghazi to Tripoli as the new government takes root in the Libyan capital.
President Obama welcomed today Ali Suleiman Aujali, the first representative to the U.S. from the new Libyan government.
"As the Transitional National Council undertakes an inclusive and democratic political transition where human rights are respected and valued, it will find a strong ally in the United States. We look forward to working with Ambassador Aujali and his team in the coming months," said Whiote House national security pokesman Tommy Vietor.
NATO warplanes were seen overhead as the attacks were launched in Bani Walid, according to media reports.
Frustration set in after several broken-promises in talks between city elders and the rebels, prompting the anti-Gadhafi forces to finally commence with what they hope will be the last phases of fighting in Libya.
"The straw that broke the camel's back was the rocket fire from the Gadhafi forces the last 24 hours," said a foreign diplomatic official who closely monitors the Libyan revolution.
The rebels are attacking from at least two directions in Bani Walid, where Moammar Gadhafi has been said to be in hiding, the Associated Press reported. Gadhafi earned a spot on Interpol's most-wanted list overnight.
"They are inside the city. They are fighting with snipers," Abdullah Kenshil, the rebels' chief negotiator said of the anti-Gadhafi forces. "They forced this on us and it was in self-defense."
The fighting for Sirte remains well outside the city, according to the BBC. Sirte is Gadhafi's hometown and is a stronghold for his tribe.
There were no reports of fighting in the two other Gadhafi strongholds of Sabha and Jufra.
The Transitional National Council, meanwhile, continued to move its senior officials from Benghazi to Tripoli as the new government takes root in the Libyan capital.
President Obama welcomed today Ali Suleiman Aujali, the first representative to the U.S. from the new Libyan government.
"As the Transitional National Council undertakes an inclusive and democratic political transition where human rights are respected and valued, it will find a strong ally in the United States. We look forward to working with Ambassador Aujali and his team in the coming months," said Whiote House national security pokesman Tommy Vietor.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Negotiations Falter with Gadhafi Forces Amid New Claim Despot Cornered
Giving Moammar Gadhafi and his loyalist fighters until Saturday to surrender is not the same a ceasefire for the Libyan rebels.
Several clashes have been reported around Libya and there is a new report in The New York Times that claims Gadhafi may be surrounded150 90 miles from Tripoli in a desert redoubt in Bani Waled.
Libya's largest tribe, the Warfallah, a longtime ally of Gadhafi, control Bani Waled, a city of 50,000 people.
Negotiations are underway to try to avoid a battle with Gadhafi loyalists in cities like Sirte, but doubtful rebel forces have been massing there, preparing for a fight that military analysts warn could be tougher and bloodier than the taking of Tripoli.
To avoid bloodshed, the Transitional National Council and its rebel commanders would likely need to display a commitment to immense confidence-building reconciliation measures to ease the concerns of the Gadhadhfa (our chosen spelling among several known options) tribe, centered around Sirte.
Rebel fighters repeated public threats that they will kill Gadhafi have been unhelpful with building confidence.
Moammar Gadhafi is from the Gadhadhfa, a Berber tribe, and Sirte is his hometown. There are believed to be more Gadhadhfa living around Sabha, a city in the south that the rebels would also likely to engage, if there is a battle for Sirte.
NATO would prefer to see an accord than a fight.
The Gadhafi loyalists reportedly claimed they were struck by a rocket attack in Sirte. NATO did not immediately claim responsibility.
The Christian Science Monitor addresses the issue of the UN mandates to protect citizens, calling into question whether fighters from Sirte face slaughter at the hands of the rebels.
The rebels know NATO will not tolerate rampant killings if there is an attack, but they also know the alliance has blessed the TNC. The rebels remain confident NATO is with them.
Several clashes have been reported around Libya and there is a new report in The New York Times that claims Gadhafi may be surrounded
Libya's largest tribe, the Warfallah, a longtime ally of Gadhafi, control Bani Waled, a city of 50,000 people.
Negotiations are underway to try to avoid a battle with Gadhafi loyalists in cities like Sirte, but doubtful rebel forces have been massing there, preparing for a fight that military analysts warn could be tougher and bloodier than the taking of Tripoli.
To avoid bloodshed, the Transitional National Council and its rebel commanders would likely need to display a commitment to immense confidence-building reconciliation measures to ease the concerns of the Gadhadhfa (our chosen spelling among several known options) tribe, centered around Sirte.
Rebel fighters repeated public threats that they will kill Gadhafi have been unhelpful with building confidence.
Moammar Gadhafi is from the Gadhadhfa, a Berber tribe, and Sirte is his hometown. There are believed to be more Gadhadhfa living around Sabha, a city in the south that the rebels would also likely to engage, if there is a battle for Sirte.
NATO would prefer to see an accord than a fight.
The Gadhafi loyalists reportedly claimed they were struck by a rocket attack in Sirte. NATO did not immediately claim responsibility.
The Christian Science Monitor addresses the issue of the UN mandates to protect citizens, calling into question whether fighters from Sirte face slaughter at the hands of the rebels.
The rebels know NATO will not tolerate rampant killings if there is an attack, but they also know the alliance has blessed the TNC. The rebels remain confident NATO is with them.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Rebels Give Gadhafi Forces Saturday Deadline; NATO Planes Still Flying
The rebel government is giving Gadhafi loyalists in the dictator's hometown Sirte and other pockets of resistance around the country until Saturday to lay down their weapons, or else they will be taken by force.
Indications are that rebel fighters are already concentrating on the outskirts of Sirte, about 225 miles east of Tripoli, where many Libyans believe Moammar Gadhafi is hiding.
Rebels "have a good idea" where Gadhafi is, according to Ali Abdul Salaam Tarhouni, a Transitional National Council spokesman.
"We don’t have any doubt that we will catch him," Tarhouni said, stopping short of naming Sirte or elsewhere.
Sabha in southwestern Libya, another of the last remaining loyalist strongholds, is another city where some rebels suspect Gadhafi may be hiding.
Sky News quoted a trusted inside source who said he saw Moammar Gadhafi Friday at the Tripoli compound belonging to his son, Khamis, but he and others fled that location later that day.
The TNC issued its ultimatum today, warning Gadhafi forces they have until the end of the three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday to surrender or fight. Eid comes at the conclusion of the Ramadan month of fasting for the Islamic faith.
TNC Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil said he hoped negotiations with Gadhafi loyalists would succeed and "avoid more bloodshed and to avoid more destruction and damage."
"It might have to be decided militarily," Jabril admitted. "I hope this will not be the case."
The NATO-Arab coalition signaled NATO airpower will be nearby, flying reconnaissance and combat missions.
NATO spokesman Col. Roland Lavoie confirmed NATO "will remain critically important until the Libyan civilian population is no longer under threat from the former regime."
"As recently as yesterday, our aircraft struck several surface-to-air threats and multiple military vehicles in the area of Sirte, which is considered the last bastion of the Gadhafi regime," Lavoie said today.
The TNC is also calling for neighboring Algeria to hand over members of Gadhafi’s family who fled there this week, including his wife, daughter, two sons and grandchildren. The rebel leaders want to the Gadhafi family to face potential charges in Libya.
The rebels claim 50,000 people have been killed in the Libyan revolution, CNN reported.
Indications are that rebel fighters are already concentrating on the outskirts of Sirte, about 225 miles east of Tripoli, where many Libyans believe Moammar Gadhafi is hiding.
Rebels "have a good idea" where Gadhafi is, according to Ali Abdul Salaam Tarhouni, a Transitional National Council spokesman.
"We don’t have any doubt that we will catch him," Tarhouni said, stopping short of naming Sirte or elsewhere.
Sabha in southwestern Libya, another of the last remaining loyalist strongholds, is another city where some rebels suspect Gadhafi may be hiding.
Sky News quoted a trusted inside source who said he saw Moammar Gadhafi Friday at the Tripoli compound belonging to his son, Khamis, but he and others fled that location later that day.
The TNC issued its ultimatum today, warning Gadhafi forces they have until the end of the three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday to surrender or fight. Eid comes at the conclusion of the Ramadan month of fasting for the Islamic faith.
TNC Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil said he hoped negotiations with Gadhafi loyalists would succeed and "avoid more bloodshed and to avoid more destruction and damage."
"It might have to be decided militarily," Jabril admitted. "I hope this will not be the case."
The NATO-Arab coalition signaled NATO airpower will be nearby, flying reconnaissance and combat missions.
NATO spokesman Col. Roland Lavoie confirmed NATO "will remain critically important until the Libyan civilian population is no longer under threat from the former regime."
"As recently as yesterday, our aircraft struck several surface-to-air threats and multiple military vehicles in the area of Sirte, which is considered the last bastion of the Gadhafi regime," Lavoie said today.
The TNC is also calling for neighboring Algeria to hand over members of Gadhafi’s family who fled there this week, including his wife, daughter, two sons and grandchildren. The rebel leaders want to the Gadhafi family to face potential charges in Libya.
The rebels claim 50,000 people have been killed in the Libyan revolution, CNN reported.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Gadhafi on the Run Left His Photos of Condi Behind
Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi continues to elude capture, but the rebel government hoping to pick up his scent now that there is $1.4 million price on his head.
The bounty on Gadhafi sure does appear to be a carrot to Gadhafi insiders.
The likelihood of Average Joe Libyan seeing the fleeing despot on the streets is slim, so the Transitional National Council's may be thinking that a bag full of money may just what some inner circle Gadhafi confidante needs to add to his legal defense fund.
The rebels, with the help of NATO and Arab allies Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Jordan, may be on the trail of Gadhafi, according to a report in the French press.
Trackers reportedly discovered a safe house in Tripoli where Gadhafi holed up for at least one night, the magazine Paris Match reported on its website today.
The search for Gadhafi is centered in Tripoli, but the fighting is moving toward Sirte, the defrocked dictator's hometown and tribal capital. The city is said to be brimming with Gadhafi hardliners, so the battle is expected to be fierce.
The Obama administration, meanwhile, is preoccupied with the hunt for Gadhafi's mustard gas weapons and precursor chemical materials. NATO's eye in thee sky is keeping watch over any evidence that Gadhafi forces are attempting to use te chemicals weapons.
The nationwide search for Gadhafi is very different than the hunts for Saddam Hussein or Osama bin Laden, in which the U.S. was pretty much on its own to track down those scoundrels. In contrast, the vast majority of Libyans appear to want to capture Gadhafi.
Gadhafi and Hussein, however, did apparently share a penchant for quirky lifestyle choices.
When American forces went through Hussein's personal items they found that he fashioned himself to be a closet dime-store novelist. Rebels who captured Gadhafi's compound this week discovered a photo album of former Secretary of State Condoleeze Rice, for whom the dictator has hinted that he had much admiration for. Maybe too much.
The bounty on Gadhafi sure does appear to be a carrot to Gadhafi insiders.
The likelihood of Average Joe Libyan seeing the fleeing despot on the streets is slim, so the Transitional National Council's may be thinking that a bag full of money may just what some inner circle Gadhafi confidante needs to add to his legal defense fund.
The rebels, with the help of NATO and Arab allies Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Jordan, may be on the trail of Gadhafi, according to a report in the French press.
Trackers reportedly discovered a safe house in Tripoli where Gadhafi holed up for at least one night, the magazine Paris Match reported on its website today.
The search for Gadhafi is centered in Tripoli, but the fighting is moving toward Sirte, the defrocked dictator's hometown and tribal capital. The city is said to be brimming with Gadhafi hardliners, so the battle is expected to be fierce.
The Obama administration, meanwhile, is preoccupied with the hunt for Gadhafi's mustard gas weapons and precursor chemical materials. NATO's eye in thee sky is keeping watch over any evidence that Gadhafi forces are attempting to use te chemicals weapons.
The nationwide search for Gadhafi is very different than the hunts for Saddam Hussein or Osama bin Laden, in which the U.S. was pretty much on its own to track down those scoundrels. In contrast, the vast majority of Libyans appear to want to capture Gadhafi.
Gadhafi and Hussein, however, did apparently share a penchant for quirky lifestyle choices.
When American forces went through Hussein's personal items they found that he fashioned himself to be a closet dime-store novelist. Rebels who captured Gadhafi's compound this week discovered a photo album of former Secretary of State Condoleeze Rice, for whom the dictator has hinted that he had much admiration for. Maybe too much.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Fierce Urban Warfare Erupts in Tripoli
Updated 3:45 p.m. edt
Libyan rebels breached Moammar Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound today, rifling through his personal property and moving room-to-room, but did not immediately find the despot-in-hiding.
One rebel was seen wearing one of Gadhafi's beany caps as Arab-owned tv was among the first to enter the formerly fortified compound.
A military source said an "elite" group of rebel fighters trained by Western and Qatari special forces the past few months were expected to lead the way into Gadhafi's underground bunker and catacomb-like tunnel system.
"They were trained for this type of operation," the source said.
---[
There are brutal gun battles all over Tripoli today as rebels try to sweep up pockets of fighters loyal to Moammar Gadhafi who refuse to give up.
Smoke has been seen billowing from Moammar Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound and a ferocious firefight is underway at Tripoli's main airport, according to multiple media reports. NATO warplanes also have been heard in the skies over the city.
It remains unknown where Gadhafi is holed up.
There are now checkpoints around the city where rebels are aggressively searching cars of people leaving the city. It is part of an attempt to crackdown on former Gadhafi forces who have stripped off their uniforms in favor of civilian clothing, CNN reported.
Libyan rebels breached Moammar Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound today, rifling through his personal property and moving room-to-room, but did not immediately find the despot-in-hiding.
One rebel was seen wearing one of Gadhafi's beany caps as Arab-owned tv was among the first to enter the formerly fortified compound.
A military source said an "elite" group of rebel fighters trained by Western and Qatari special forces the past few months were expected to lead the way into Gadhafi's underground bunker and catacomb-like tunnel system.
"They were trained for this type of operation," the source said.
---[
There are brutal gun battles all over Tripoli today as rebels try to sweep up pockets of fighters loyal to Moammar Gadhafi who refuse to give up.
Smoke has been seen billowing from Moammar Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound and a ferocious firefight is underway at Tripoli's main airport, according to multiple media reports. NATO warplanes also have been heard in the skies over the city.
It remains unknown where Gadhafi is holed up.
There are now checkpoints around the city where rebels are aggressively searching cars of people leaving the city. It is part of an attempt to crackdown on former Gadhafi forces who have stripped off their uniforms in favor of civilian clothing, CNN reported.
Monday, August 22, 2011
France's Juppe on Libya: 'The Goal is About to be Achieved'
Statement today by French Prime Minister Alain Juppe:
"Yes, we took risks in Libya, at both diplomatic and military level. It was France who was the architect of UNSCR 1973. We – with our British friends in particular – were the sponsors of that resolution, which set the legal framework for the international intervention and, at the last minute, spared Benghazi’s population from a premeditated bloodbath. I won’t forget the gravity of the Security Council meeting where I spoke out in France’s name to secure the decision.
"Within NATO, it was France who made the greatest contribution, and I’d like to pay tribute to our pilots, our seamen and all our armed forces for their courage and professionalism.
"But as in Côte d’Ivoire, the risks taken were calculated. The cause – to which President Sarkozy and our diplomatic service were steadfastly committed – was just, because it was the liberation of a people and of democracy.
"France’s people and parliament lent us their support. The most skeptical individuals quickly started to talk of getting bogged down, even though the operation had only begun in March. Today, the goal is about to be achieved. Gadhafi’s regime no longer has any future. His last supporters must finally act with dignity, stop fighting and lay down their weapons to prevent any more bloodshed.
"From now on, we must look to the future. It’s for the Libyan people, and for them alone, to build the new Libya they’ve fought for. But it’s our duty to support them in this rebirth, which will not be free of difficulties.
"It’s true that Libya is a country with the potential for considerable wealth. That wealth must be put at the service of the country and its people. Everything, or nearly everything, has yet to be built or rebuilt. The international community must join in the effort, and in the vanguard will be France, whose early and unstinting support did her particular credit. A new page will be turned in Franco-Libyan relations. We’ll help to write it with the same determination and confidence."
"Yes, we took risks in Libya, at both diplomatic and military level. It was France who was the architect of UNSCR 1973. We – with our British friends in particular – were the sponsors of that resolution, which set the legal framework for the international intervention and, at the last minute, spared Benghazi’s population from a premeditated bloodbath. I won’t forget the gravity of the Security Council meeting where I spoke out in France’s name to secure the decision.
"Within NATO, it was France who made the greatest contribution, and I’d like to pay tribute to our pilots, our seamen and all our armed forces for their courage and professionalism.
"But as in Côte d’Ivoire, the risks taken were calculated. The cause – to which President Sarkozy and our diplomatic service were steadfastly committed – was just, because it was the liberation of a people and of democracy.
"France’s people and parliament lent us their support. The most skeptical individuals quickly started to talk of getting bogged down, even though the operation had only begun in March. Today, the goal is about to be achieved. Gadhafi’s regime no longer has any future. His last supporters must finally act with dignity, stop fighting and lay down their weapons to prevent any more bloodshed.
"From now on, we must look to the future. It’s for the Libyan people, and for them alone, to build the new Libya they’ve fought for. But it’s our duty to support them in this rebirth, which will not be free of difficulties.
"It’s true that Libya is a country with the potential for considerable wealth. That wealth must be put at the service of the country and its people. Everything, or nearly everything, has yet to be built or rebuilt. The international community must join in the effort, and in the vanguard will be France, whose early and unstinting support did her particular credit. A new page will be turned in Franco-Libyan relations. We’ll help to write it with the same determination and confidence."
NATO Jams Tripoli Communications as Rebels Hunt for Gadhafi
Libyan rebels are searching today for the all-but-toppled Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi who is in hiding now that Tripoli is occupied by the freedom fighters. NATO is believed to be intermittently jamming communications in Tripoli to keep Gadhafi or his remaining commanders from giving orders to what is left of the loyalist forces.
Most of Gadhafi's army -- a force he bragged over the weekend was 65,000-strong in Tripoli -- has scattered and has not engaged the rebels in a major firefight since the opposition took control of a vast majority of the city.
"We have no confirmation of Gadhafi’s whereabouts, but at least two of Gadhafi’s sons have been detained. His regime is falling apart and in full retreat," British Prime Minister David Cameron said this morning. "Gadhafi must stop fighting, without conditions – and clearly show that he has given up any claim to control Libya."
NATO is firmly committed to seeing the mission through until it is satisfied it's services are no longer necessary.
"We will continue to monitor military units and key facilities, as we have since March, and when we see any threatening moves towards the Libyan people, we will act in accordance with our UN mandate," added NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. "Our goal throughout this conflict has been to protect the people of Libya, and that is what we are doing."
The regime crumbled faster than anyone expected, including the rebels.
President Obama, Cameron and NATO all appealed to the rebels to provide security for the people of Tripoli and not let the city fall under mob rule.
Most of Gadhafi's army -- a force he bragged over the weekend was 65,000-strong in Tripoli -- has scattered and has not engaged the rebels in a major firefight since the opposition took control of a vast majority of the city.
"We have no confirmation of Gadhafi’s whereabouts, but at least two of Gadhafi’s sons have been detained. His regime is falling apart and in full retreat," British Prime Minister David Cameron said this morning. "Gadhafi must stop fighting, without conditions – and clearly show that he has given up any claim to control Libya."
NATO is firmly committed to seeing the mission through until it is satisfied it's services are no longer necessary.
"We will continue to monitor military units and key facilities, as we have since March, and when we see any threatening moves towards the Libyan people, we will act in accordance with our UN mandate," added NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. "Our goal throughout this conflict has been to protect the people of Libya, and that is what we are doing."
The regime crumbled faster than anyone expected, including the rebels.
President Obama, Cameron and NATO all appealed to the rebels to provide security for the people of Tripoli and not let the city fall under mob rule.
NATO Secretary General Warns Gadhafi Not To Try Anything
Video and text of NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's statement this morning on the rebel takeover of most of Tripoli and the imminent fall of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
"The Gadhafi regime is clearly crumbling. The sooner Gadhafi realizes that he cannot win the battle against his own people, the better -- so that the Libyan people can be spared further bloodshed and suffering.
"The Libyan people have suffered tremendously under Gadhafi’s rule for over four decades. Now they have a chance for a new beginning. Now is the time for all threats against civilians to stop, as the United Nations Security Council demanded. Now is the time to create a new Libya – a state based on freedom, not fear; democracy, not dictatorship; the will of the many, not the whims of a few.
"That transition must come peacefully. It must come now. And it must be led and defined by the Libyan people.
"NATO is ready to work with the Libyan people and with the Transitional National Council, which holds a great responsibility. They must make sure that the transition is smooth and inclusive, that the country stays united, and that the future is founded on reconciliation and respect for human rights.
"Gadhafi's remaining allies and forces also have a great responsibility. It is time to end their careers of violence. The world is watching them. This is their opportunity to side with the Libyan people and choose the right side of history.
"We will continue to monitor military units and key facilities, as we have since March, and when we see any threatening moves towards the Libyan people, we will act in accordance with our UN mandate.
"Our goal throughout this conflict has been to protect the people of Libya, and that is what we are doing.
"Because the future of Libya belongs to the Libyan people. And it is for the international community to assist them, with the United Nations and the Contact Group playing a leading role. NATO wants the Libyan people to be able to decide their future in freedom and in peace. Today,they can start building that future."
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Rebels Take Central Tripoli Amid Scant Defenses From Gadhafi Forces
Updated 10:30 p.m. edt with statement from President Obama
The Libyan rebels liberated a square in downtown Tripoli today with little resistance from Moammar Gadhafi's forces who finally may be abandoning the bloody back and forth revolution of the Arab Spring after six months of fighting.
At least two of Gadhafi's son's, including the loose-tongued Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, have been taken into custody by representatives of the rebel Transitional National Council. They may be turned over to international authorities at The Hague for prosecution.
After half a year of fierce fighting it is almost shocking how Gadhafi forces have disappeared, or are simply refusing to take up arms, just a day after the Tyrant of Tripoli promised rebel invaders street-to-street fighting to the death.
The citizens of Tripoli rising up to join the rebellion overnight should not be underestimated as a key to the speedy fall of the city.
NATO called for a peaceful and immediate transition of power in Libya.
President Obama issued a statement on Martha's Vineyard after he consulted by teleconference with his war council, made up of his top military, civilian and intelligence advisors.
"Tonight, the momentum against the Qadhafi regime has reached a tipping point. Tripoli is slipping from the grasp of a tyrant. The Qadhafi regime is showing signs of collapsing. The people of Libya are showing that the universal pursuit of dignity and freedom is far stronger than the iron fist of a dictator," Obama said.
"Meanwhile, the United States has recognized the Transitional National Council as the legitimate governing authority in Libya. At this pivotal and historic time, the TNC should continue to demonstrate the leadership that is necessary to steer the country through a transition by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya," Obama added.
The regime claimed to have a 65,000-member force waiting for the rebels, but so far it has not been seen. NATO's eye-in-the sky: mainly U.S. spy satellites and drones, are believed to be keeping a watch for signs of that force.
Gunfire could be heard from small pockets around the city and there was no indication that the rebels had not captured Gadhafi's Bab el-Azizia compound by 9 p.m. Washington time.
It is night in Libya, so NATO and the rebels are waiting to see if daylight brings out the Gadhafi forces. The biggest fear now is of snipers under the cover of darkness.
The rebels moved slowly at first today, capturing key military installations and then finding scant resistance as they pressed on to central Tripoli and occupied what was formerly known as Green Square, renaming it Martyr's Square. It had been a favorite rallying spot for the Gadhafi regime.
There are very strong indications that elite forces from Western nations have lead, plotted and coordinated the rebel attacks. For months sources have said at the very least ex-American, British and French special forces have been among the trainers on the ground.
French-armed forces out of the Nafusa mountains led the invasion of Tripoli, backed by a daring dawn sea assault from fighters out of Misurata dubbed "Operation Mermaid Dawn." Overnight, NATO paved the way with strategic air strikes on military installations and command and communications facilities.
The rebels raised a French flag to apparently say thank you for the arms from Paris.
The Nafusa army includes at least two forces known as the Tripoli Brigades made up of men who fled the city to train and fight Gadhafi forces on a western front that virtually popped up overnight at the end of the spring.
The Nafusa fighters slowly, but steadily rolled towards Tripoli, while Gadhafi forces were focusing on the main rebel army out of the Transitional National Council capital Benghazi, and another force in Misurata,
Along the way the rebels captured tanks and other armor and coordinated with NATO warplanes, holding down friendly fire casualties to a relatively few, given the size and scope of the battlefield.
NATO's strategic strikes overnight, the Nafusa brigade's march on Tripoli and a daring dawn sea landing by Misurata fighters was a potent combination.
Freedom-seeking Libyans began their pro-democracy Arab Spring uprising on Feb. 17, hoping the Gadhafi regime would implode and the army would back their cause, as the armed forces did in the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt.
When Gadhafi ordered his forces to crack down on the peaceful Arab Spring protesters, they decided to fight back. The rebels took up arms, made some quick gains, but on March 19 an armored tank column under orders from Gadhafi was poised outside Benghazi, promising to exterminate the rebels in their stronghold once and for all.
And then that same day, French fighter jets and more than 110 U.S. and British cruise missiles lit it up against Gadhafi, virtually giving the Libyan rebels the most powerful air and sea force on the planet.
The mission, sanctioned by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, was initially under the command of Army Gen. Carter Ham, commander of the U.S. Africa Command
The U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps did the lion's share of the work, until March 27 when NATO took on the whole military operation in Libya under the command of Lt. Gen. Charlie Bouchard of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Turkey, the lone Muslim member of NATO, ultimately joined the mission.
The U.S. provided ships, drones, AWACS and other support after NATO took over, but American air strikes were still called in when necessary. Britain and France showed its commitment to the campaign when they upped the ante in late May and committed Apache and Gazelle attack helicopters to the campaign.
The Western and Arab coalition did not lose a single man or woman in combat, strongly suggesting the U.S. Africa Command, NATO and Arab coalition members pulled off the mission with random precision. France and Qatar also scored some points by breaking UN rules and arming the rebels.
The Libyan rebels liberated a square in downtown Tripoli today with little resistance from Moammar Gadhafi's forces who finally may be abandoning the bloody back and forth revolution of the Arab Spring after six months of fighting.
At least two of Gadhafi's son's, including the loose-tongued Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, have been taken into custody by representatives of the rebel Transitional National Council. They may be turned over to international authorities at The Hague for prosecution.
After half a year of fierce fighting it is almost shocking how Gadhafi forces have disappeared, or are simply refusing to take up arms, just a day after the Tyrant of Tripoli promised rebel invaders street-to-street fighting to the death.
The citizens of Tripoli rising up to join the rebellion overnight should not be underestimated as a key to the speedy fall of the city.
NATO called for a peaceful and immediate transition of power in Libya.
President Obama issued a statement on Martha's Vineyard after he consulted by teleconference with his war council, made up of his top military, civilian and intelligence advisors.
"Tonight, the momentum against the Qadhafi regime has reached a tipping point. Tripoli is slipping from the grasp of a tyrant. The Qadhafi regime is showing signs of collapsing. The people of Libya are showing that the universal pursuit of dignity and freedom is far stronger than the iron fist of a dictator," Obama said.
"Meanwhile, the United States has recognized the Transitional National Council as the legitimate governing authority in Libya. At this pivotal and historic time, the TNC should continue to demonstrate the leadership that is necessary to steer the country through a transition by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya," Obama added.
The regime claimed to have a 65,000-member force waiting for the rebels, but so far it has not been seen. NATO's eye-in-the sky: mainly U.S. spy satellites and drones, are believed to be keeping a watch for signs of that force.
Gunfire could be heard from small pockets around the city and there was no indication that the rebels had not captured Gadhafi's Bab el-Azizia compound by 9 p.m. Washington time.
It is night in Libya, so NATO and the rebels are waiting to see if daylight brings out the Gadhafi forces. The biggest fear now is of snipers under the cover of darkness.
The rebels moved slowly at first today, capturing key military installations and then finding scant resistance as they pressed on to central Tripoli and occupied what was formerly known as Green Square, renaming it Martyr's Square. It had been a favorite rallying spot for the Gadhafi regime.
There are very strong indications that elite forces from Western nations have lead, plotted and coordinated the rebel attacks. For months sources have said at the very least ex-American, British and French special forces have been among the trainers on the ground.
French-armed forces out of the Nafusa mountains led the invasion of Tripoli, backed by a daring dawn sea assault from fighters out of Misurata dubbed "Operation Mermaid Dawn." Overnight, NATO paved the way with strategic air strikes on military installations and command and communications facilities.
The rebels raised a French flag to apparently say thank you for the arms from Paris.
The Nafusa army includes at least two forces known as the Tripoli Brigades made up of men who fled the city to train and fight Gadhafi forces on a western front that virtually popped up overnight at the end of the spring.
The Nafusa fighters slowly, but steadily rolled towards Tripoli, while Gadhafi forces were focusing on the main rebel army out of the Transitional National Council capital Benghazi, and another force in Misurata,
Along the way the rebels captured tanks and other armor and coordinated with NATO warplanes, holding down friendly fire casualties to a relatively few, given the size and scope of the battlefield.
NATO's strategic strikes overnight, the Nafusa brigade's march on Tripoli and a daring dawn sea landing by Misurata fighters was a potent combination.
Freedom-seeking Libyans began their pro-democracy Arab Spring uprising on Feb. 17, hoping the Gadhafi regime would implode and the army would back their cause, as the armed forces did in the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt.
When Gadhafi ordered his forces to crack down on the peaceful Arab Spring protesters, they decided to fight back. The rebels took up arms, made some quick gains, but on March 19 an armored tank column under orders from Gadhafi was poised outside Benghazi, promising to exterminate the rebels in their stronghold once and for all.
And then that same day, French fighter jets and more than 110 U.S. and British cruise missiles lit it up against Gadhafi, virtually giving the Libyan rebels the most powerful air and sea force on the planet.
The mission, sanctioned by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, was initially under the command of Army Gen. Carter Ham, commander of the U.S. Africa Command
The U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps did the lion's share of the work, until March 27 when NATO took on the whole military operation in Libya under the command of Lt. Gen. Charlie Bouchard of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Turkey, the lone Muslim member of NATO, ultimately joined the mission.
The U.S. provided ships, drones, AWACS and other support after NATO took over, but American air strikes were still called in when necessary. Britain and France showed its commitment to the campaign when they upped the ante in late May and committed Apache and Gazelle attack helicopters to the campaign.
The Western and Arab coalition did not lose a single man or woman in combat, strongly suggesting the U.S. Africa Command, NATO and Arab coalition members pulled off the mission with random precision. France and Qatar also scored some points by breaking UN rules and arming the rebels.
With NATO's Help, Rebels Take Key Base on Day 2 of Siege of Tripoli
Libyan rebels captured a strategic military base today outside Tripoli after NATO warplanes cleared the way with massive air strikes in what the insurgents said was a coordinated attack on Moammar Gadhafi's forces.
The base was a headquarters for the one-vaunted Khamis Brigade, located 18 miles to the west of downtown Tripoli. according to multiple media reports. The well-armed Khamis Brigade is named for Gadhafi's son, a general who may have been killed in earlier fighting, though the government disputes that claim by rebels.
A rebel celebration, witnessed by Western journalists, erupted after the installation was captured.
"This is the wealth of the Libyan people that he was using against us," Ahmed al-Ajdal, 27, a fighter from Tripoli, told the Associated Press as he loaded up a truck with ammunition. "Now we will use it against him and any other dictator who goes against the Libyan people."
The rebel breakthrough came this week when it captured the key crossroad city of Zawiyah, about 30 miles from downtown Tripoli.
The private military intelligence service STRATFOR made an interesting observation in an intelligence report it distributed this morning, suggesting the advancing rebels are being led by Western elite forces.
"It is unlikely that the rebel forces advancing from Zawiyah are fighting on their own. It will be important to watch for any signs of special operations forces from participating NATO countries quietly leading the offensive and preparing operations to locate and seize Gadhafi," the STRATFOR analysis said.
In a separate unconfirmed mission, the rebels claimed they pulled off a daring sea assault, landing fighters from Misurata near Tripoli to bolster the opposition forces preparing to enter Tripoli.
There were more reports of protests and small arms fire by Tripoli residents rising up against the 42-year rein of the Gadhafi regime. In addition to some high-profile Gadhafi advisers abandoning the regime this week, some of his forces are now indicating they are ready to quit the fight, as well.
Loyalist snipers, however, were believed to be targeting protesters in parts of Tripoli, signaling that many Gadhafi loyalists will fight on in what NATO fears could be bloody street-to-street fighting if the regime does not capitulate.
On his working vacation, President Obama was being kept abreast of the developments by his deputy national security adviser John Brennan.
"This morning, the President was briefed on the situation in Libya by John Brennan, including inputs from our team in Benghazi. The national security team will continue to provide updates to the President on this situation, as necessary," said White House deputy spokesman Josh Earnest.
"The United States continues to communicate closely with our allies, partners, and the TNC. We believe that Gadhafi's days are numbered, and that the Libyan people deserve a just, democratic and peaceful future," added Earnest, who like Brennan, is with Obama on Martha's Vineyard, off the Massachusetts coast.
The base was a headquarters for the one-vaunted Khamis Brigade, located 18 miles to the west of downtown Tripoli. according to multiple media reports. The well-armed Khamis Brigade is named for Gadhafi's son, a general who may have been killed in earlier fighting, though the government disputes that claim by rebels.
A rebel celebration, witnessed by Western journalists, erupted after the installation was captured.
"This is the wealth of the Libyan people that he was using against us," Ahmed al-Ajdal, 27, a fighter from Tripoli, told the Associated Press as he loaded up a truck with ammunition. "Now we will use it against him and any other dictator who goes against the Libyan people."
The rebel breakthrough came this week when it captured the key crossroad city of Zawiyah, about 30 miles from downtown Tripoli.
The private military intelligence service STRATFOR made an interesting observation in an intelligence report it distributed this morning, suggesting the advancing rebels are being led by Western elite forces.
"It is unlikely that the rebel forces advancing from Zawiyah are fighting on their own. It will be important to watch for any signs of special operations forces from participating NATO countries quietly leading the offensive and preparing operations to locate and seize Gadhafi," the STRATFOR analysis said.
In a separate unconfirmed mission, the rebels claimed they pulled off a daring sea assault, landing fighters from Misurata near Tripoli to bolster the opposition forces preparing to enter Tripoli.
There were more reports of protests and small arms fire by Tripoli residents rising up against the 42-year rein of the Gadhafi regime. In addition to some high-profile Gadhafi advisers abandoning the regime this week, some of his forces are now indicating they are ready to quit the fight, as well.
Loyalist snipers, however, were believed to be targeting protesters in parts of Tripoli, signaling that many Gadhafi loyalists will fight on in what NATO fears could be bloody street-to-street fighting if the regime does not capitulate.
On his working vacation, President Obama was being kept abreast of the developments by his deputy national security adviser John Brennan.
"This morning, the President was briefed on the situation in Libya by John Brennan, including inputs from our team in Benghazi. The national security team will continue to provide updates to the President on this situation, as necessary," said White House deputy spokesman Josh Earnest.
"The United States continues to communicate closely with our allies, partners, and the TNC. We believe that Gadhafi's days are numbered, and that the Libyan people deserve a just, democratic and peaceful future," added Earnest, who like Brennan, is with Obama on Martha's Vineyard, off the Massachusetts coast.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Surrounded, Gadhafi Looking for Refuge Outside of Libya
Moammar Gadhafi is looking for an Arab country willing to give him safe haven after rebel armies cut off his supply lines and captured his last oil refinery as NATO warplanes kept his tanks from countering the opposition's ferocious week-long offensive, according to published and broadcast reports.
Civilians have begun fleeing Tripoli, fearing street-to-street fighting or one last act of deadly defiance by Gadhafi against his people.
NATO bombed Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziyah compound overnight. At least seven loud blasts were heard and felt by Western journalists in Tripoli, the Associated Press reported.
NBC reports Gadhafi could leave Libya, possibly for Tunisia, in a matter of days. NBC cited intelligence reports out of Washington. The loyalist government claimed it was engaged in talks with the rebels, asking for a cease-fire.
Gadhafi sent inquiries to Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, indicating he and his family are looking for a safe haven that would bring an end to his defiant stand against the revolutionaries of the Arab Spring, a representative of the rebel Transitional National Council in Cairo told the Pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat.
"Gadhafi is looking for a safe haven for his family in the case that Tripoli falls into the hands of the revolutionaries,"said Abdel Monem al-Houni, who was Gadhafi's top delegate to the Arab League before defecting to the rebel side.
The rebels say they have taken most of Zawiya, within 30 miles west of downtown Tripoli, capturing the last remaining oil refinery that had been proving fuel to the regime. Two other rebel armies have captured Zlintan to the east and Gharyan to the south with the help of Western air power, and the NATO Navy has cut off shipping to Tripoli.
Gadhafi and what remains of his forces are surrounded by what was once an uncoordinated rag-tag rebel force and a NATO alliance that has refused to put troops on the ground.
The key to the campaign was the emergence of a French-armed rebel division that came out of the Nafusa mountains in the West. With Gadhafi's forces tied up with the main rebel army in the east near Brega and separate opposition brigades out of Misurata, the Nafusa insurgents were able to march on Zawiya. NATO warplanes made it nearly impossible for Gadhafi's armor to move to re-enforce a loyalist garrison in that city.
France secretly parachuted small arms weapons, including tank-killers, in the Nafusa region earlier this summer, and more recently Qatar flew truckloads of ammunition into the captured air field outside of Misurata. NATO warships recently also helped the rebels capture a tanker loaded with fuel bound for Tripoli. The ship sailed into the de facto opposition capital Benghazi with rebels aboard.
"The Gadhafi regime has few days before it breathes its last," al-Houni said.
Civilians have begun fleeing Tripoli, fearing street-to-street fighting or one last act of deadly defiance by Gadhafi against his people.
NATO bombed Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziyah compound overnight. At least seven loud blasts were heard and felt by Western journalists in Tripoli, the Associated Press reported.
NBC reports Gadhafi could leave Libya, possibly for Tunisia, in a matter of days. NBC cited intelligence reports out of Washington. The loyalist government claimed it was engaged in talks with the rebels, asking for a cease-fire.
Gadhafi sent inquiries to Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, indicating he and his family are looking for a safe haven that would bring an end to his defiant stand against the revolutionaries of the Arab Spring, a representative of the rebel Transitional National Council in Cairo told the Pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat.
"Gadhafi is looking for a safe haven for his family in the case that Tripoli falls into the hands of the revolutionaries,"said Abdel Monem al-Houni, who was Gadhafi's top delegate to the Arab League before defecting to the rebel side.
The rebels say they have taken most of Zawiya, within 30 miles west of downtown Tripoli, capturing the last remaining oil refinery that had been proving fuel to the regime. Two other rebel armies have captured Zlintan to the east and Gharyan to the south with the help of Western air power, and the NATO Navy has cut off shipping to Tripoli.
Gadhafi and what remains of his forces are surrounded by what was once an uncoordinated rag-tag rebel force and a NATO alliance that has refused to put troops on the ground.
The key to the campaign was the emergence of a French-armed rebel division that came out of the Nafusa mountains in the West. With Gadhafi's forces tied up with the main rebel army in the east near Brega and separate opposition brigades out of Misurata, the Nafusa insurgents were able to march on Zawiya. NATO warplanes made it nearly impossible for Gadhafi's armor to move to re-enforce a loyalist garrison in that city.
France secretly parachuted small arms weapons, including tank-killers, in the Nafusa region earlier this summer, and more recently Qatar flew truckloads of ammunition into the captured air field outside of Misurata. NATO warships recently also helped the rebels capture a tanker loaded with fuel bound for Tripoli. The ship sailed into the de facto opposition capital Benghazi with rebels aboard.
"The Gadhafi regime has few days before it breathes its last," al-Houni said.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Libyan Rebels Now Fighting With Tanks and Other Armor
Remember when NATO frowned upon the Libyan rebels having tanks? Well, things have changed significantly on that front. Our friends at RAW posted this video earlier this week showing a Libyan rebel tank column ready to move towards the front at the oil-terminal city of Brega.
The machine-gun mounted pick-up trucks that had been the only "armor" the rebels previously had to work with now follow behind the captured tanks that formerly belonged to Moammar Gadhafi's forces. A rebel source contacted overnight tells me there is much better coordination with NATO now, reducing the chance of alliance warplanes accidentally bombing their well-armed allies on the ground.
Friday, August 5, 2011
NATO Strikes Tripoli; Rebels Say Gadhafi's Son Killed in Zlintan
Updated at 3 p.m.
The Gadhafi regime denied rebel claims Khamis Gadhafi was killed in a NATO air strike over night, but showed no definitive proof.
NATO is also looking into the disputed claim, but also was unable to confirm the Russian-trained Libyan military commander is dead.
When Gadhafi's son, Saif al-Arab Gadhafi, was killed earlier in the war, the regime admitted he was lost in a NATO air strike.
Khamis Gadhafi may be the most crucial military leader remaining in the regime. His 32nd brigade is considered a fierce well-trained and heavily armed fighting force.
"It's false news. This is a dirty trick to cover up their crime in Zlitan and the killing of the al-Marabit family. They invented the news about Mr Khamis Gaddafi in Zlitan to cover up their killing," regime spokesman Moussa Ibrahim told Reuters.
end update
---[
Alliance warplanes turned up the heat on Moammar Gadhafi, bombing sites around Tripoli and elsewhere amid rebel claims the dictator's youngest son was killed in a strike overnight in Zlintan.
Gadhafi's son, Khamis, a top military commander, and about 30 of his troops were killed in a NATO bombing run, a rebel spokesman claimed, citing spies among the loyalist forces.
"Overnight there was a aircraft attack by NATO on the Gadhafi operations room in Zlitan and there are around 32 Gaddafi troops killed. One of them is Khamis," rebel spokesman Mohammed Zawawi told Agence France Press.
The regime and NATO have yet to comment on the report. Gadhafi's son, Saif al-Arab Gadhafi, was killed earlier in the war.
In other news, Libyan rebels reportedly turned off a major pipeline in the Nafusa mountain region fueling the last refinery under control of the limping regime.
"The rebels turned off a valve and poured cement over it," said Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaaim. (Rebel information sources tell me the Nafusa brigades shut down the pipeline more than a month ago).
NATO and the Libyan rebels have stepped up efforts to induce the civilian population of Tripoli to rise up against Gadhafi in a strategy seen as the speediest way to topple the regime after five months of fighting.
In rare warfare in the Mediterranean Sea, the rebels seized the regime's oil and gas tanker Cartagena with the help of NATO warships. The ship is now docked in Benghazi.
Also in Benghazi, a group of powerful intellectuals called the Coalition for the Revolution of the 17th of February and an alliance of more than two dozen Libyan tribes called for resignations of men they believe are responsible for the apparent assassination last week of commanding Gen. Abdel Fattah Younes and two of his senior military advisers.
They demanded Transitional National Council Vice Chairman Ali al-Essawi, Judge Jumaah al-Jazwi al-Obeidy Defense Minister Jalal el-Digheily, and the commander of the allied militia, Fawzi Bu Kitf all step down and ultimately face charges. The action is seen as a message to the West and rival clans that lawlessness will will not be tolerated.
While the rebels are trying to improve their public image, Gadhafi's son Saif al-Islam Gadhafi could use a public relations person. In an interview with The New York Times, Saif al-Islam Gadhafi said the regime is trying to form an alliance with Islamists and will eventually weed out secular Libyans.
"We don't trust them, but we have to deal with them." Saif al-Islam Gadhafi said of the
Muslim fundamentalists.
"Libya will look like Iran, like Saudi Arabia. So what?" Saif al-Islam barked.
The Gadhafi regime denied rebel claims Khamis Gadhafi was killed in a NATO air strike over night, but showed no definitive proof.
NATO is also looking into the disputed claim, but also was unable to confirm the Russian-trained Libyan military commander is dead.
When Gadhafi's son, Saif al-Arab Gadhafi, was killed earlier in the war, the regime admitted he was lost in a NATO air strike.
Khamis Gadhafi may be the most crucial military leader remaining in the regime. His 32nd brigade is considered a fierce well-trained and heavily armed fighting force.
"It's false news. This is a dirty trick to cover up their crime in Zlitan and the killing of the al-Marabit family. They invented the news about Mr Khamis Gaddafi in Zlitan to cover up their killing," regime spokesman Moussa Ibrahim told Reuters.
end update
---[
Alliance warplanes turned up the heat on Moammar Gadhafi, bombing sites around Tripoli and elsewhere amid rebel claims the dictator's youngest son was killed in a strike overnight in Zlintan.
Gadhafi's son, Khamis, a top military commander, and about 30 of his troops were killed in a NATO bombing run, a rebel spokesman claimed, citing spies among the loyalist forces.
"Overnight there was a aircraft attack by NATO on the Gadhafi operations room in Zlitan and there are around 32 Gaddafi troops killed. One of them is Khamis," rebel spokesman Mohammed Zawawi told Agence France Press.
The regime and NATO have yet to comment on the report. Gadhafi's son, Saif al-Arab Gadhafi, was killed earlier in the war.
In other news, Libyan rebels reportedly turned off a major pipeline in the Nafusa mountain region fueling the last refinery under control of the limping regime.
"The rebels turned off a valve and poured cement over it," said Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaaim. (Rebel information sources tell me the Nafusa brigades shut down the pipeline more than a month ago).
NATO and the Libyan rebels have stepped up efforts to induce the civilian population of Tripoli to rise up against Gadhafi in a strategy seen as the speediest way to topple the regime after five months of fighting.
In rare warfare in the Mediterranean Sea, the rebels seized the regime's oil and gas tanker Cartagena with the help of NATO warships. The ship is now docked in Benghazi.
Also in Benghazi, a group of powerful intellectuals called the Coalition for the Revolution of the 17th of February and an alliance of more than two dozen Libyan tribes called for resignations of men they believe are responsible for the apparent assassination last week of commanding Gen. Abdel Fattah Younes and two of his senior military advisers.
They demanded Transitional National Council Vice Chairman Ali al-Essawi, Judge Jumaah al-Jazwi al-Obeidy Defense Minister Jalal el-Digheily, and the commander of the allied militia, Fawzi Bu Kitf all step down and ultimately face charges. The action is seen as a message to the West and rival clans that lawlessness will will not be tolerated.
While the rebels are trying to improve their public image, Gadhafi's son Saif al-Islam Gadhafi could use a public relations person. In an interview with The New York Times, Saif al-Islam Gadhafi said the regime is trying to form an alliance with Islamists and will eventually weed out secular Libyans.
"We don't trust them, but we have to deal with them." Saif al-Islam Gadhafi said of the
Muslim fundamentalists.
"Libya will look like Iran, like Saudi Arabia. So what?" Saif al-Islam barked.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
TNC Warned to Conduct Honest Probe, But Allowed to Open US Embassy
The family and tribe of the slain Libyan rebel commander today joined the U.S. in putting the opposition government on notice that it must conduct a thorough and open investigation into the killing or face an unruly crisis of confidence.
The dire warning for the rebel Transitional National Council came as Norway ended its combat role in the NATO air campaign, as promised, after four months. The Norwegians yesterday pulled the last four of six F-16s back home.
Britain, however, made up for Norway’s withdrawal, sending four more Tornado ground-attack jets to replace the F-16s.
Meanwhile, the son of murdered Gen. Abdel Fattah Younes warned that his father's assassination wreaks of an inside job, calling for an honest and detailed investigation to keep his powerful Obeidi tribe from a violent split with the rebel TNC.
"The way he was killed looks like a betrayal, so until now we are trying to calm and control the youth of the tribe, but we don't know what could happen," one of Younes's sons told reporters.
The threat from the Obeidi tribe came a day after the State Department warned the TNC to carry out a credible investigation.
"It's important that, given the fluidness of the situation on the ground, that the Transitional National Council work to ensure that it takes the right kinds of actions, such as an investigation into the death, and sends a clear and transparent message that they speak on behalf of the Libyan opposition and the Libyan people and that they are diligently carrying out their mandate," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner.
The U.S. still has faith in the TNC, as demonstrated by its decision announced today to allow the rebels to re-open the Libyan Embassy in Washington. The State Department's decision will also give the TNC access to about $13 million in embassy assets that had been frozen.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) predicted the Arab Spring pro-democracy movement hinges on Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi's demise, as well as a crackdown on the reign of terror in Syria under President Bashir al-Assad.
The dire warning for the rebel Transitional National Council came as Norway ended its combat role in the NATO air campaign, as promised, after four months. The Norwegians yesterday pulled the last four of six F-16s back home.
Britain, however, made up for Norway’s withdrawal, sending four more Tornado ground-attack jets to replace the F-16s.
Meanwhile, the son of murdered Gen. Abdel Fattah Younes warned that his father's assassination wreaks of an inside job, calling for an honest and detailed investigation to keep his powerful Obeidi tribe from a violent split with the rebel TNC.
"The way he was killed looks like a betrayal, so until now we are trying to calm and control the youth of the tribe, but we don't know what could happen," one of Younes's sons told reporters.
The threat from the Obeidi tribe came a day after the State Department warned the TNC to carry out a credible investigation.
"It's important that, given the fluidness of the situation on the ground, that the Transitional National Council work to ensure that it takes the right kinds of actions, such as an investigation into the death, and sends a clear and transparent message that they speak on behalf of the Libyan opposition and the Libyan people and that they are diligently carrying out their mandate," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner.
The U.S. still has faith in the TNC, as demonstrated by its decision announced today to allow the rebels to re-open the Libyan Embassy in Washington. The State Department's decision will also give the TNC access to about $13 million in embassy assets that had been frozen.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) predicted the Arab Spring pro-democracy movement hinges on Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi's demise, as well as a crackdown on the reign of terror in Syria under President Bashir al-Assad.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Rebels Promise Answers in Death of General; Islamist Militia Suspected
Updated at 7:15 p.m. edt
The Libyan rebel government is now claiming the rival group its forces overpowered in a long battle overnight at a Benghazi license-plate factory was a secret pro-Gadhafi sleeper cell that had been operating under its nose for months.
A TNC official contends the Al-Nidaa Brigade was responsible for a pair of prison breaks Friday in the rebels' capital Benghazi as chaos erupted over the execution of commanding Gen. Abdel Fatah Younes.
Some 200 to 300 inmates, among them pro-Gadhafi fighters and loyalists, escaped, according to the rebel's deputy interior minister, Mustafa al-Sagezli.
"These people took advantage of the chaos that resulted from the killing of Younis and entered and attacked the military prison and the (civilian) Kuwaitiya prison," al-Sagezli told the Associated Press.
Three TNC regulars were killed and eight injured, while the militia group had four dead and at least 12 injured in what amounted to about eight hours of small-arms warfare.
There were other signs the TNC was having trouble with more rivals tribes and militia. Some Western journalists reporting the deep cracks in the opposition ranks the weekend turmoil over the assassination of the rebel commander resulted in some heavy-handed treatment by TNC leaders, The New York Times reports.
Ahmed Bani, a spokesman for the TNC defense minister, even suggested journalists could be aligned with Moammar Gadhafi, the Times reported.
"We don’t know if anybody here is a fifth column," he told a room full of reporters at a Benghazi news conference. "It is very difficult to determine who is with you and who is against you in a time of conflict, because you don’t necessarily have to hold a weapon. With a word or a rumor they can cause a lot of deaths."
end update
---[
Updated at 9:15 a.m. edt
Forces loyal to the Libyan rebel government and a rival militia clashed for five hours this morning in the opposition capital Benghazi after allied factions were ordered to come under Transitional National Council control.
As part of a crackdown on militia resulting from the murder of commanding Gen. Abdel Fattah Younes late last week, TNC forces took control of the Al-Nidaa brigade camp after a bloody small arms battle left four fighters dead and at least 30 others injured, the Financial Times reported.
The fighting erupted after the Al-Nidaa Brigade refused to lay down it arms.
end update
---[
The Libyan rebel government in Benghazi overnight blamed a militia leader for the murder of commanding Gen. Abdel Fattah Younes and two of his senior military advisers, claiming the suspect confessed.
The militia leader, who apparently commands the Islamist-leaning Obaida Ibn Jarrah Brigade, is in custody. The men, who riddled the three bodies with bullets and then partially burned the remains, have not been apprehended.
"The head of the militia is imprisoned now," said Ali Tarhuni, minister of economic affairs for the rebel National Transitional Council told reporters in Benghazi. "It was not him. His lieutenants did it."
Many questions remain, including who at the TNC approved a judges' arrest warrant for Younes, a former defense minister for Moammar Gadhafi, who was at the Libyan dictator's side when he first came to power in 1969.
Fawzi Bu Kitf, head of the Union of Revolutionary Forces, a federation of armed militia operating in the east, named the suspect as field commander Mustafa al-Rubh.
"He is a member of the Union as an individual," Bu Kitf told reporters, hoping to silence critics who have pointed the finger at him in the killing "Whatever was done was done through his own idea."
The militia leader was tasked with retrieving Younes from the frontline near the oil town of Brega to discuss “a military matter,” Tarehuni said at a news conference.
Younes also had a sometimes public feud with rival Gen. Khalifa Hifter, who defected and lived in the U.S. for nearly two decades before he returned to Libya earlier to join the rebellion. Khalifa has been accused by detractors of having ties to the CIA.
Younes had been under fire for the slow progress the army was making under his leadership, and some rebels questioned whether he had truly ended his loyalty to Gadhafi.
The only rebel force on the move is in the west, where tribes of the Nafusa mountain region have had success defeating Gadhafi forces. The Nafusa army has no particular loyalty tgo the TNC in far-away Benghazi, other than their opposition to Gadhafi.
The mysterious execution offered a look into Libyan tribal and factional differences -- one of the biggest concerns why many Western nations refuse to arm the rebels even though they have recognized their government.
Younes' Obeidi tribe were livid at the killing, accusing the TNC of playing a role in what they believe was a sanctioned assassination.
The Obeidi tribe -- one of the largest in eastern Libya -- set up barricades and closed roads around parts of Benghazi for a while after it learned of the death of Younes.
The TNC claims it will disband militia groups and bring them into the fold of the stalled eastern army. That may be easier said than done, given tribal pride and egos.
Western governments backing the rebels are sweating out the episode, calling for unity in order to reach a swift end to the now five-month-old war. The rebel government has promised a thorough investigation and would release its findings to the public.
"Everything is under control. This is just a rough stage we are going through and me and my brothers in the TNC are sure we will get over it," Tarhuni said.
NATO warplanes, meanwhile, bombed three satellite dishes yesterday in Tripoli, but Libyan state TV remained on the air.
The Libyan rebel government is now claiming the rival group its forces overpowered in a long battle overnight at a Benghazi license-plate factory was a secret pro-Gadhafi sleeper cell that had been operating under its nose for months.
A TNC official contends the Al-Nidaa Brigade was responsible for a pair of prison breaks Friday in the rebels' capital Benghazi as chaos erupted over the execution of commanding Gen. Abdel Fatah Younes.
Some 200 to 300 inmates, among them pro-Gadhafi fighters and loyalists, escaped, according to the rebel's deputy interior minister, Mustafa al-Sagezli.
"These people took advantage of the chaos that resulted from the killing of Younis and entered and attacked the military prison and the (civilian) Kuwaitiya prison," al-Sagezli told the Associated Press.
Three TNC regulars were killed and eight injured, while the militia group had four dead and at least 12 injured in what amounted to about eight hours of small-arms warfare.
There were other signs the TNC was having trouble with more rivals tribes and militia. Some Western journalists reporting the deep cracks in the opposition ranks the weekend turmoil over the assassination of the rebel commander resulted in some heavy-handed treatment by TNC leaders, The New York Times reports.
Ahmed Bani, a spokesman for the TNC defense minister, even suggested journalists could be aligned with Moammar Gadhafi, the Times reported.
"We don’t know if anybody here is a fifth column," he told a room full of reporters at a Benghazi news conference. "It is very difficult to determine who is with you and who is against you in a time of conflict, because you don’t necessarily have to hold a weapon. With a word or a rumor they can cause a lot of deaths."
end update
---[
Updated at 9:15 a.m. edt
Forces loyal to the Libyan rebel government and a rival militia clashed for five hours this morning in the opposition capital Benghazi after allied factions were ordered to come under Transitional National Council control.
As part of a crackdown on militia resulting from the murder of commanding Gen. Abdel Fattah Younes late last week, TNC forces took control of the Al-Nidaa brigade camp after a bloody small arms battle left four fighters dead and at least 30 others injured, the Financial Times reported.
The fighting erupted after the Al-Nidaa Brigade refused to lay down it arms.
end update
---[
The Libyan rebel government in Benghazi overnight blamed a militia leader for the murder of commanding Gen. Abdel Fattah Younes and two of his senior military advisers, claiming the suspect confessed.
The militia leader, who apparently commands the Islamist-leaning Obaida Ibn Jarrah Brigade, is in custody. The men, who riddled the three bodies with bullets and then partially burned the remains, have not been apprehended.
"The head of the militia is imprisoned now," said Ali Tarhuni, minister of economic affairs for the rebel National Transitional Council told reporters in Benghazi. "It was not him. His lieutenants did it."
Many questions remain, including who at the TNC approved a judges' arrest warrant for Younes, a former defense minister for Moammar Gadhafi, who was at the Libyan dictator's side when he first came to power in 1969.
Fawzi Bu Kitf, head of the Union of Revolutionary Forces, a federation of armed militia operating in the east, named the suspect as field commander Mustafa al-Rubh.
"He is a member of the Union as an individual," Bu Kitf told reporters, hoping to silence critics who have pointed the finger at him in the killing "Whatever was done was done through his own idea."
The militia leader was tasked with retrieving Younes from the frontline near the oil town of Brega to discuss “a military matter,” Tarehuni said at a news conference.
Younes also had a sometimes public feud with rival Gen. Khalifa Hifter, who defected and lived in the U.S. for nearly two decades before he returned to Libya earlier to join the rebellion. Khalifa has been accused by detractors of having ties to the CIA.
Younes had been under fire for the slow progress the army was making under his leadership, and some rebels questioned whether he had truly ended his loyalty to Gadhafi.
The only rebel force on the move is in the west, where tribes of the Nafusa mountain region have had success defeating Gadhafi forces. The Nafusa army has no particular loyalty tgo the TNC in far-away Benghazi, other than their opposition to Gadhafi.
The mysterious execution offered a look into Libyan tribal and factional differences -- one of the biggest concerns why many Western nations refuse to arm the rebels even though they have recognized their government.
Younes' Obeidi tribe were livid at the killing, accusing the TNC of playing a role in what they believe was a sanctioned assassination.
The Obeidi tribe -- one of the largest in eastern Libya -- set up barricades and closed roads around parts of Benghazi for a while after it learned of the death of Younes.
The TNC claims it will disband militia groups and bring them into the fold of the stalled eastern army. That may be easier said than done, given tribal pride and egos.
Western governments backing the rebels are sweating out the episode, calling for unity in order to reach a swift end to the now five-month-old war. The rebel government has promised a thorough investigation and would release its findings to the public.
"Everything is under control. This is just a rough stage we are going through and me and my brothers in the TNC are sure we will get over it," Tarhuni said.
NATO warplanes, meanwhile, bombed three satellite dishes yesterday in Tripoli, but Libyan state TV remained on the air.
Friday, July 29, 2011
A Shakespearean Tragedy, Intrigue Surrounds Rebel Commander's Death
The killing of the Libyan rebel commander, who was facing questions over the insurgent eastern army's failure to push west toward Tripoli, is stirring tribal tensions and is embarrassing the rebellion's political leaders.
But the murder of Abdel Fatah Younes also ends a dangerous and divisive rivalry among generals -- Younes accused of being a mole for Moammar Gadhafi, and his successor, Gen. Khalifa Hifter suspected of having ties to the CIA.
"This underscores some of the challenges that the (rebel) Transitional National Council faces. This is certainly one more of them. They've had to overcome many challenges in their struggle. And I think what's important is that they work, both diligently and transparently, to ensure the unity of the Libyan opposition," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said today.
"It's just important to keep that unified structure and to remember that they represent the Libyan people," Toner added. "The ultimate goal here is to lead a democratic transition and remove Gadhafi from power."
Hifter will now likely consolidate his control over the rebel armed forces with the slaying yesterday of Younes, who, along with two other officers was allegedly killed by a gang while he was on his way to answer questions about his army's shortcomings from members of the rebel Transitional National Council.
Like Younes, Hifter was a top military officer in the Libyan leader in the Gadhafi regime until he sought refuge in the U.S. after a Libyan force he commanded in Chad in the late 1980s was decimated.
Hifter has lived outside of Washington, D.C. since the early 1990s, maintaining ties to anti-Gadhafi groups back in Libya. Hifter, who has been accused of having ties to the CIA, returned to Libya earlier this year to help lead the rebel army against Gadhafi.
Younes, meanwhile, switched sides in the Libyan revolution after Moammar Gadhafi sent him home to Benghazi to lead a attack there complete with Srebrenica-like mass executions, but he was distrusted from the outset by some in the rebel ranks. Some people suspected he was a double agent, still working for Gadhafi.
His inability to move the army on the battlefield contributed to a further falling out with some of his subordinates in the military and members of the rebel council.
The rebel government says it has already made one arrest in the killing of Younis, but it is not yet releasing the suspect's name or further details.
However, the TNC will have to be forthcoming, if it wants to hold together the tribal coalition fighting to unseat Gadhafi. The Obeidi, the armed and angry eastern Libyan tribe that Younes belonged to, wants answers to questions about the suspicious killing of the general.
The U.S. would like an explanation, too.
"He is a senior figure, and they've lost both his military expertise and his leadership, and again, it's very unclear who was at fault here. We've seen reports that this was an internal matter. We've reached no conclusions yet," Toner said.
But the murder of Abdel Fatah Younes also ends a dangerous and divisive rivalry among generals -- Younes accused of being a mole for Moammar Gadhafi, and his successor, Gen. Khalifa Hifter suspected of having ties to the CIA.
"This underscores some of the challenges that the (rebel) Transitional National Council faces. This is certainly one more of them. They've had to overcome many challenges in their struggle. And I think what's important is that they work, both diligently and transparently, to ensure the unity of the Libyan opposition," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said today.
"It's just important to keep that unified structure and to remember that they represent the Libyan people," Toner added. "The ultimate goal here is to lead a democratic transition and remove Gadhafi from power."
Hifter will now likely consolidate his control over the rebel armed forces with the slaying yesterday of Younes, who, along with two other officers was allegedly killed by a gang while he was on his way to answer questions about his army's shortcomings from members of the rebel Transitional National Council.
Like Younes, Hifter was a top military officer in the Libyan leader in the Gadhafi regime until he sought refuge in the U.S. after a Libyan force he commanded in Chad in the late 1980s was decimated.
Hifter has lived outside of Washington, D.C. since the early 1990s, maintaining ties to anti-Gadhafi groups back in Libya. Hifter, who has been accused of having ties to the CIA, returned to Libya earlier this year to help lead the rebel army against Gadhafi.
Younes, meanwhile, switched sides in the Libyan revolution after Moammar Gadhafi sent him home to Benghazi to lead a attack there complete with Srebrenica-like mass executions, but he was distrusted from the outset by some in the rebel ranks. Some people suspected he was a double agent, still working for Gadhafi.
His inability to move the army on the battlefield contributed to a further falling out with some of his subordinates in the military and members of the rebel council.
The rebel government says it has already made one arrest in the killing of Younis, but it is not yet releasing the suspect's name or further details.
However, the TNC will have to be forthcoming, if it wants to hold together the tribal coalition fighting to unseat Gadhafi. The Obeidi, the armed and angry eastern Libyan tribe that Younes belonged to, wants answers to questions about the suspicious killing of the general.
The U.S. would like an explanation, too.
"He is a senior figure, and they've lost both his military expertise and his leadership, and again, it's very unclear who was at fault here. We've seen reports that this was an internal matter. We've reached no conclusions yet," Toner said.
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