Clampdown in Tripoli as protesters close in
February 24, 2011 00:00:00
Militiamen loyal to Moammar Gadhafi clamped down in Tripoli, with the sound of gunfire ringing in the air, while protesters who control much of the eastern half of Libya claimed new gains in cities and towns closer to the heart of Gadhafi's regime in the capital, report agencies.
Protesters said they had taken over Misrata, which would be the largest city in the western half in the country to fall into their hands. The military has also moved heavy forces into the town of Sabratha, west of the capital, to try to put down protesters who have overwhelmed security headquarters and government buildings, a news website close to the government reported.
Gadhafi's regime has lost vast swathes of Libya's east to an insurrection, it emerged Wednesday as pressure mounted on the strongman to step down amid growing evidence of a "bloodbath."
And as condemnation of the brutal crackdown grew and foreigners fled the oil-rich country, Gadhafi appeared to be increasingly isolated after reports that hundreds of civilians were killed in the backlash by his forces.
Opponents of Gadhafi appeared firmly in control of Libya's coastal east, from the Egyptian border through to the cities of Tobruk and Benghazi, with government soldiers switching sides to join the uprising.
Meanwhile, Kadhafi's bloody response to an uprising prompted fresh outrage among world powers on Wednesday, with calls for an end to violence and the punishment of those behind it.
There were also fears that people fleeing the chaos sweeping Libya might flood into Europe and neighbouring Tunisia, itself struggling for stability after ousting its own dictator.
The UN Security Council late Tuesday "condemned the violence and use of force against civilians, deplored the repression against peaceful demonstrators and expressed deep regret at the deaths of hundreds of civilians."
UN chief Ban Ki-moon called for global efforts to ensure a "prompt and peaceful transition" as he cut short a trip over the crisis and returned to New York on Wednesday.
