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Rebels celebrate, Gaddafi vows to fight on

25 August 2011 04:58 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Rebel fighters are trying to secure their grip on the capital Tripoli of Libya. Heavy fighting is continuing in some areas, with Gaddafi’s troops managing to resist rebel advances. But in many parts of the city, there are jubilant celebrations. At the same time, the hunt for Muammar Gaddafi is continuing. Despite going underground, the long-time leader has managed to issue another audio message, calling on supporters to continue their fight, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

With his 42-year rule on the brink of collapse, a beleaguered Muammar Gaddafi issued his second message in just 12 hours.

He called on Tripoli residents to "cleanse" the capital of the rebels.

He admitted that he’d gone "undercover", but said he didn’t feel the city was in any danger.

Gaddafi described the escape from his compound as a "tactical move".

Meanwhile, the Libyan government spokesman, Moussa Ibrahim, claims that Gaddafi and his supporters are capable of fighting the rebels for months, or even years.

He accused foreign powers of destroying Libya’s infrastructure and exploiting the country.

Ibrahim said, "They present it to foreign companies on a golden platter. I’ll repeat this: They want to destroy Libya, Libya’s oil, Libya’s infrastructure, so that the construction companies can come in and rebuild it, at a cost of billions."

Inside Tripoli, rebels held boisterous celebrations, after taking Gaddafi’s Bab Al-aziziya compound.

Many symbols of his four-decade rule were destroyed.

A rebel soldier said, "I just went inside his room. Yeah, Gaddafi’s bedroom. I’m happy for Libyans, for all those people who have suffered so much. I really thank all the countries that have stood with us, that have given us help and support."

Over in Benghazi, where the six-month uprising originated, thousands gathered in Courthouse Square, to celebrate what they see as the "collapse of the regime."

Faten el-Mosmari, a Benghazi resident, said, "I say to the Libyan people that were tyrannized for the last forty years, congratulations on this victory."

With fighting continuing in parts of Tripoli, and the Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte yet to be breached, it’s still too early to declare a complete victory for the rebels. But following the symbolic trashing of Gaddafi’s main residence, it’s fair to say that the rebels’ morale has never been higher.

"No problem; Gaddafi (as he points to his wounds)."