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)

Spokespersons of the rebels noted that clashes are taking place in Tripoli and other areas away from the city between the opposition and forces loyal to Gaddafi, who is said to be in the city of Bani Walid.

As occasional combats are occurring, the rebels, backed by NATO air raids, still besiege Sirte, Gaddafi’s hometown.

The rebels also captured Abdallah Al-Hijazi, considered to be a close collaborator of the almost disintegrated government, according to the same source of the opposition’s National Transitional Council (CNT).

As the Libyan situation remains uncertain, leaders of world powers and Arab countries, involved in the NATO aggression against Libya, are in session on Thursday in Paris to draw up the plan to be followed for the reconstruction of Libya after a hypothetical post-Gaddafi era.

Apart from the political decisions, analysts point out that the conference in Paris aims at setting the economic profit quotas in the oil, construction and industry sectors from the debts and commitments assumed by CNT.

(by Prensa Latina)

Spokespersons of the insurgents say that negotiations continue, but have not been able to break the will of the tribal leaders of Sirte, so they are likely to unleash a terrible 10-day battle.

In parallel with this alleged dialogue, rebels are laying siege to the city with the cover of NATO air bombings, which have intensified in the past 48 hours.

Gaddafi’s second wife, Safiya, and her daughter Aisha, who gave birth on Tuesday, as well as her brothers Hannibal and Mohamed took refuge on Monday in Argelia, amid strong criticism of the National Transitional Council (CNT), which attempts to request their repatriation so that they can be tried.

(Prensa Latina)