Libya surrenders Bani Walid. Gaddafi maybe in Niger
The NTC has reaches a deal to enter the city in the hands of loyalists without a fight. A convoy of over two hundred military vehicles passes into Agadez in northern Niger overnight. Persistent rumours indicate Gaddafi and his son Saif al-Islam on board.
Tripoli (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Libyan rebels this morning announced they have reached a deal to enter in Bani Walid without a fight, reported Al Jazeera television, quoting a correspondent on the spot. According to the Arab TV correspondent, the peaceful entry of the rebels into Bani Walid will take place today. Bani Walid, approximately 100 km south-east of Tripoli, along with Sirte and the city of Sabha, was one of the last strongholds loyal to Gaddafi. If the announcement proves well founded, it is a heavy blow to forces loyal to the "Colonel". But he may no longer be in Libya.
A military source in Niger reported that '"persistent rumours speak of the presence of Moammar Gaddafi or one of his sons in the convoy" of more than 200 heavily armed military vehicles, which passed overnight from Libya into Agadez, in central Niger. The convoy, according to local press sources, is directed towards the capital Niamey. Several witnesses say they saw Rhissa Ag Boula, a famous Tuareg leader and friend of Gaddafi who was also the protagonist of two Tuareg rebellions in Niger, in the convoy. Other groups of Gaddafi loyalists close to the clan arrived yesterday in Niger.
The convoy has between 200 and 250 vehicles, and is accompanied by a large number of Tuareg fighters loyal to Gaddafi who left Libya. According to some Muammar Gaddafi and his son Saif al-Islam may be among the passengers. The final destination could be Burkina Faso, a West African country that borders with Niger and offered asylum to Gaddafi and his family two weeks ago, while recognizing the Libyan NTC (National Transitional Council). Yesterday, Gaddafi’s security chief Mansour Dao, together with ten senior officers loyalists arrived in Niger.
A military source in Niger reported that '"persistent rumours speak of the presence of Moammar Gaddafi or one of his sons in the convoy" of more than 200 heavily armed military vehicles, which passed overnight from Libya into Agadez, in central Niger. The convoy, according to local press sources, is directed towards the capital Niamey. Several witnesses say they saw Rhissa Ag Boula, a famous Tuareg leader and friend of Gaddafi who was also the protagonist of two Tuareg rebellions in Niger, in the convoy. Other groups of Gaddafi loyalists close to the clan arrived yesterday in Niger.
The convoy has between 200 and 250 vehicles, and is accompanied by a large number of Tuareg fighters loyal to Gaddafi who left Libya. According to some Muammar Gaddafi and his son Saif al-Islam may be among the passengers. The final destination could be Burkina Faso, a West African country that borders with Niger and offered asylum to Gaddafi and his family two weeks ago, while recognizing the Libyan NTC (National Transitional Council). Yesterday, Gaddafi’s security chief Mansour Dao, together with ten senior officers loyalists arrived in Niger.
.png)
See also
Gaddafi’s body in cold storage in Misratah
21/10/2011
21/10/2011
