Libya rebels capture Qaddafi’s Bab al-Azizyah compound in Tripoli, seize rifles from armory
TRIPOLI, Libya (Al-Arabiya) – Rebel fighters captured Muammar Qaddafi’s heavily defended Bab al-Aziziya compound and headquarters in Tripoli on Tuesday after a day of heavy fighting, an AFP correspondent witnessed.
There was no immediate word on Qaddafi’s whereabouts after the rebels breached the defenses as part of a massive assault that began in the morning. One rebel confirmed to Al Arabiya that the rebels entered the house of Qaddafi and they are now in control of about 70% of the compound.
Reuters reporters on the scene said that the Libyan rebels poured into Qaddafi’s compound in Tripoli and were seen firing in the air in celebration. Hundreds of rebel fighters looted an armory in part of the compound, seizing new sniper rifles in plastic cases.
One fighter, in jubilant mood, shouted “It is over, Qaddafi is finished!” Another, carrying a looted television set to an entrance to the sprawling compound in the capital city, placed it on the ground and yelled “This is for the Libyan people!”
Fighting was still under way elsewhere in the compound, and some pro-Qaddafi snipers were still firing at the advancing rebels, the witness said.
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Did Scud missiles carry mustard gas?
Defence expert Robert Fox is telling the BBC special forces from Qatar and the UAE, with US, British and French training, are responsible for the successful attack on Tripoli. “It has been a genuine Arab coalition … I think it was the Qataris that led them through the breach.” He said William Hague was “dissembling” in his comments just now.
Fox says he has heard the Scud missile fired from Sirte may have been carrying mustard gas. “There are mustard gas stocks. There are real concerns that he [Muammar Gaddafi] and the boys, the sons, could be planning some weird diabolical nasty at the end.”
"But I will not let myself be reduced to silence."
