Libya: Dozens killed as security forces strike in Tripoli
By Ria Novosti
Dozens of people are believed to have died in the Libyan capital of Tripoli on Monday as security forces loyal to leader Muammar Gaddafi launched attacks against protesters demanding an end to the four-decade-old regime.
Al Jazeera reported that planes and helicopters were being used against demonstrators in the capital.
According to international organizations, some 500 people have been killed by government forces since protests against Gaddafi began February 15, and thousands more have been wounded.
Libyan state television on Monday aired a speech by Gaddafi’s son, Saif al-Islam, where he said the regime would fight “until the last bullet.” He also however offered reforms and warned of civil war, in an address described as “confused” by a number of commentators.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on Monday on Libya’s authorities to immediately stop using military force against demonstrators.
Mass popular protests have embraced a number of Arab states and have already resulted in the collapse of the ruling regimes in Egypt and Tunisia.
