The fearless stance adopted by tribes in Bani Walid forced rebel leaders on Tuesday to step up negotiations for a peaceful surrender, amid contradictory reports on troop movements in southern Libya.
The main stronghold of forces loyal to leader Muammar Gaddafi continued to be besieged by the NATO-backed rebels of the National Transitional Council (CNT), but was reluctant to surrender, as was the case in Sirte.
Bani Salid is a key city because it is home to the largest and most powerful Libyan tribe, Warfalla, which supports Gaddafi, while Sirte is the leader’s hometown.
According to independent unconfirmed reports, Bani Walid tribal leaders were holding talks to reach an agreement before the CNT deadline ends.
Gaddafi’s spokesman, Moussa Ibrahim, confirmed that the now-fugitive leader “is in Libya in a place where he will not be found by cantankerous groups,” denying rumors claiming that Gaddafi had left Libya for a sub-Saharan country.
Military sources affirmed that a convoy of 200 or 250 vehicles from Libya crossed the desert on Monday night and over the border into Niger, where it was escorted by the Army of that former French colony up to Agadez.
(By Prensa Latina)