Major Clashes Reported as Protests Near Libyan Capital
At Least 17 Killed in Fighting in Zawiya, Gateway to Tripoli
Though the internal protests in Tripoli have more or less been crushed by a brutal crackdown from the mercenary forces still loyal to Moammar Gadhafi, the massive nationwide movement continues to spread, and moves inexorably toward that last bastion of regime power, the Libyan capital.
At the moment this means Zawiya, a city just outside of Tripoli, where major clashes were reported earlier today as protesters and members of the military loyal to them apparently seized control of the city, the “gateway to Tripoli,” in fighting that left 17 dead.
There were clashes still outside the city and the mercenary forces have been able to strike back and so far keep the protesters from infiltrating the city, or at least what is left of it. With mercenaries in the streets demanding everyone prove their loyalty, the city has become a virtual ghost town.
But the forces are clearly closing in, and the march on Tripoli seems inexorable, and likely to coincide with Friday prayers. As Gadhafi’s speeches get wilder and his mercenaries more active, it seems his hold over even the capital is bound to fall soon.
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didi
February 24th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
I still hope that the gadaffi regime can be ended peacefully.. I fear for the libyan's strive for democracy getting exploited by the exiled Muhammad as-Senussi, who might try to restore the monarchy in the country. Granted, I don't know anything about the man though
Ian
February 24th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
The Libyan have fought for their freedom and I doubt, they will put up with a monarch.
The despots in the Middle East are an endangered species and most will probably be forced out.
guest
February 25th, 2011 at 2:01 am
It is past the means at this point – what is relevant is that the ends – getting rid of Gaddhafi and his regime and installing a replacement government – must be achieved as quickly as possible to remove any excuse for a U.S.-spearheaded military intervention based on "humanitarian" grounds. If the U.S. gets their foot in their door, the Libyan's massive struggle and sacrifice for freedom will be for naught and more bloodshed, chaos and oppression will occur.
Revo
February 25th, 2011 at 8:06 am
So they are mercenaries employed by Gadaffi right? is it because the MSM told you so that you blindly believe them?
Remember the MSM pushing that Saddam had WMD's and everyone screaming to attack Iraq, that turned out really well eh?
Why don't you clowns wake the hell up and realise that the MSM is again lying to you, now the US wants to intervene militarily again. Wake up and smell the coffee!
willymack
February 25th, 2011 at 9:26 am
We already knew Daffy Kadaffy is a nut. Now, we can see he's a nut AND a coward. This will make his end all the sweeter to the world at large and Lybians in particular.