News / Africa
Gaddafi 'killed - captured' as rebels hoist new flag in Sirte
20 Oct 2011 at 11:29hrs | Views
Libyan freedom fighters have hoisted the new three-coloured national flag above the centre of Sirte as the National Transitional Council is reporting the 'killing' of Col. Muammar Gaddafi. Other reports suggest that Col. Gaddafi was 'injured' in a gunbattle as he tried to flee Sirte, and has been taken into custody in Misurata.
As thousands of Libyans have taken to the streets to celebrate the news of Col. Gaddafi's capture and killing, the new Libyan flag was raised above a large utilities building in the Mediterranean city, which had been under NTC siege for nearly two months.
"Sirte has been liberated. There are no Gaddafi forces any more," said Colonel Yunus Al Abdali, head of operations in the eastern half of the city. "We are now chasing his fighters who are trying to run away."
Another front line commander confirmed the capture of the Mediterranean coastal city, which was the last remaining significant bastion of pro-Gaddafi fighters almost three months after the deposed leader was overthrown by rebels.
News agencies originally reported that Gaddafi was captured but was still alive.
"He's captured. He's wounded in both legs ... He's been taken away by ambulance," the senior NTC military official told Reuters news agency by telephone. However this was later updated, saying that Col. Gaddafi had died of his wounds.
It is thought Gaddafi was attempting to flee in a convoy that was attacked by NATO when he was captured by the NTC.
The senior NTC military official said that the head of Gaddafi's armed forces Abu Bakr Younus Jabr was also killed during the capture of the Libyan ex-leader.
Another member of Libya's NTC said that Col. Gaddafi was wearing a khaki uniform and wearing a turban.
A conflicting report from an NTC fighter claims that Gaddafi was found hiding in a hole in Sirte, shouting "don't shoot, don't shoot".
There are scenes of jubilation in towns across Libya as NTC fighters celebrate.
The US state department says it cannot confirm media reports of Gaddafi's capture or death.
As thousands of Libyans have taken to the streets to celebrate the news of Col. Gaddafi's capture and killing, the new Libyan flag was raised above a large utilities building in the Mediterranean city, which had been under NTC siege for nearly two months.
"Sirte has been liberated. There are no Gaddafi forces any more," said Colonel Yunus Al Abdali, head of operations in the eastern half of the city. "We are now chasing his fighters who are trying to run away."
Another front line commander confirmed the capture of the Mediterranean coastal city, which was the last remaining significant bastion of pro-Gaddafi fighters almost three months after the deposed leader was overthrown by rebels.
News agencies originally reported that Gaddafi was captured but was still alive.
"He's captured. He's wounded in both legs ... He's been taken away by ambulance," the senior NTC military official told Reuters news agency by telephone. However this was later updated, saying that Col. Gaddafi had died of his wounds.
It is thought Gaddafi was attempting to flee in a convoy that was attacked by NATO when he was captured by the NTC.
The senior NTC military official said that the head of Gaddafi's armed forces Abu Bakr Younus Jabr was also killed during the capture of the Libyan ex-leader.
Another member of Libya's NTC said that Col. Gaddafi was wearing a khaki uniform and wearing a turban.
A conflicting report from an NTC fighter claims that Gaddafi was found hiding in a hole in Sirte, shouting "don't shoot, don't shoot".
There are scenes of jubilation in towns across Libya as NTC fighters celebrate.
The US state department says it cannot confirm media reports of Gaddafi's capture or death.
Source - maltatimes
