Has Gaddafi fled Libya?

Libyan leader reportedly leaves capital after his regime comes under heavy pressure owing to violent clashes between pro- and anti-state protesters

Libyan leader reportedly leaves capital after his regime comes under heavy pressure owing to violent clashes between pro- and anti-state protesters

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said yesterday he had seen information to suggest Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi had fled the country and was on his way to Venezuela.


A protestor holds a placard as demonstrators gather outside the Libyan Embassy in London yesterday

"I have no information that says he is, but I have seen some information that suggests he is on his way there at the moment."

Gaddafi's four-decade-old rule appeared in increasing jeopardy yesterday as anti-government protests reached the capital for the first time, leaving dozens dead at the hands of the security forces.

Several cities in the east appeared to be in the hands of the opposition as protests spread from Benghazi, cradle of a popular uprising that has rattled one of the Arab world's most entrenched governments.

One of Gaddafi's sons said the veteran leader would fight the revolt until "the last man standing."

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi appeared on national television in an attempt to threaten people, saying the army would enforce security at any price to put down one of the bloodiest revolts to convulse the Arab world.

Protesters rallied in Tripoli's streets, tribal and religious leaders spoke out against Gaddafi, and army units defected to the opposition in a revolt that has cost the lives of more than 200 people.

Control of cities

Protesters said they had taken control of Benghazi and other cities, with some analysts suggesting the country was heading for civil war.

In signs of disagreement inside Libya's ruling elite, the justice minister resigned in protest at the "excessive use of violence" against protesters.

Media quoted medical sources as saying 61 people had been killed in the latest protests in Tripoli.

It said security forces were looting banks and other government institutions, and protesters had broken into several police stations and wrecked them.

The building Parliament, meets in Tripoli was on fire, as was a police station in one of the eastern suburbs.
But people in Tripoli expressed anger at the speech.

"The speech was very disappointing because he threatened the Libyan people with killing, hunger and burning. He did not offer mercy for the souls of the martyrs who were killed," said one protester.

In Benghazi, protesters appeared to be largely in control after forcing troops and police to retreat to a compound. Government buildings were set ablaze and ransacked.

"Youths with weapons are in charge of the city. There are no security forces anywhere," said University of Benghazi professor Hanaa Elgallal.

Salahuddin Abdullah, a self-described protest organiser, said, "In Benghazi there is celebration and euphoria . . . The city is no longer under military control. It is completely under demonstrators' control."

No refuge
The government of President Hugo Chavez denied yesterday reports Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was traveling to Venezuela following violent protests