THE DOMINO EFFECT IN THE MIDDLE EAST

IT IS REPORTED THAT GADDHAFI SHOT AND KILLED HIS DEFENCE MINSTER YOUNIS WHO SEEMED TO HAVE DISAGREE WITH HIS POLICIES IN RELATION TO THE REBELLION.
ALSO HIS OIL MINSTER SEEMS TO HAVE ALSO DEFECTED TO TUNISIA.
TUNISIA COMPLAINING ABOUT LIBYAN ARTILLERY LANDING IN THEIR TERRITORY.

frontline is 50 miles from misratah.

LIBYAN NAVY EFFECTLY OUT OF ACTION
NATO TO USE LOW LEVEL HELICOPTER
GADDHAFI'S WIFE AND DAUGHTER SAID TO HAVE FLED LIBYA

Thanks Badboy,

Not so much reporting on Libya , more about Syria recently, also Pakistan.

Where will it all end?

Just being tweeted that genocide happening

@Tripolitanian

#Gaddafi troops have entered #Yefren & are killing everyone, men, women and children who survived months of starvation are now being killed!
half a minute ago via web

carmen

Is this the town that was surrounded by Gaddafi's troops ?

If Gaddafi and wife has fled I don't understand why his troops still fighting.

It"s probably in retaliation for the bombardment by NATO Planes the night before on Tripoli, 18 seperate explosions. the fires could be seen in the
distance behind the Reporter.

Tweet
British Apache helicopters have carried out their first strikes on targets in the Libyan town of Brega, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

Sky's defence correspondent Niall Paterson, who is on board HMS Ocean in the Mediterranean where the aircraft were launched from, said two targets were hit and also an armoured vehicle at a checkpoint.

A variety of weapons were used, including hellfire missiles.

In a statement Nato's Commander of Operation Unified Protector, Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard said: "This successful engagement demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters.

"We will continue to use these assets whenever and wherever needed, using the same precision as we do in all of our missions."

The attack helicopters have been brought into the Nato operation because they provide more flexibility to track and engage pro-Gaddafi forces who deliberately target civilians and attempt to hide in populated areas.

On May 28 Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed four Apaches would be deployed in an attempt to "ratchet up" the pressure on Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Twelve French attack helicopters are also being used in Libya.

Earlier this week, Defence Secretary Liam Fox acknowledged the "increased risk" attached to the deployment of attack helicopters, but stressed they would play a key role in bringing a halt to the dictator's attacks on his own people.

The use of Apaches has alarmed some MPs about the prospect of an escalation in the conflict and the danger to British lives.

MISRATA IS UNDER BOMBARDMENT AGAIN

Libya: Rebels Promised Cash For Fighting Fund
Comments8:25am UK, Friday June 10, 2011

Western and Arab powers have pledged $1bn in aid to help rebels fighting to end Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's rule in Libya.

The 22-nation Libya contact group, which includes Britain, France and the US as well as Arab states, promised the money following a summit in Abu Dhabi.

The group has pressed anti-government fighters to give a detailed plan on how they would run the country if Col Gaddafi stood down or was toppled from power.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said talks were under way with people close to Col Gaddafi that had raised the "potential" for a transition of power without giving details.

Also referring to what he called multiple feelers from the Tripoli government, Australian foreign minister Kevin Rudd said Col Gaddafi's end "may come sooner" than expected.

The aid is the latest in a series of moves to increase pressure on the regime, following claims from the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Thursday.

Luis Moreno-Ocampo said Col Gaddafi ordered mass rapes and gave sex drugs to troops to encourage them to attack women.

He said witnesses had confirmed the Libyan government had bought containers of a Viagra-type drug to allow the policy to be carried out.


sam kiley reports from tripoli
These allegations have been often repeated by rebels for over a month.

And journalists have found some evidence of the use of condoms and anti-impotence drugs in villages taken from Col Gaddafi's forces in the Nafusa Mountains and on the eastern front south of Benghazi.

The ICC investigation, which concentrated in the east, interviewed over 100 women and has allegedly gathered enough evidence to point the finger of blame for ordering the abuses at Col Gaddafi himself.

Mr Moreno-Ocampo has already requested arrest warrants against Col Gaddafi, his son Saif al Islam and Libya's spy chief on charges of crimes against humanity.

ICC judges are currently considering this request - but the prosecutor said fresh charges of mass rape may be brought.


Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox on Libya Rape Claims
Mr Moreno-Ocampo, who spoke in a New York news conference, said that until recently, the question had been whether Col Gaddafi himself could be associated with the rapes "or is it something that happened in the barracks?"

He said there was new information that Col Gaddafi had decided to authorise the rapes.

"The rape is a new aspect of the repression. Apparently, he decided to punish using rapes," Mr Moreno-Ocampo said.

The prosecutor said it was difficult to know how widespread such rapes were but he had received information there were several hundred victims in some areas.

Rebel sources have told Sky News that dozens of women in the western mountain villages have been violated. But it has been impossible to corroborate these claims.

UK Defence Secretary Liam Fox told Sky News he thinks the allegations are to be expected but that there is "serious evidence" behind them.

Moussa Ibrahim, the Libyan government's spokesman, said: "It's the same old nonsense. We have always asked, time and again, for people to come on the ground and investigate all accusations against us.

"Unfortunately many people to choose to accuse us cheaply of many, many crimes and they refuse to come on the ground and investigate."

A spokesperson from Viagra manufacturer Pfizer said the company is "appalled" by the allegations of abuse and "condemns the misuse of any of its medicines".

She said Pfizer had stopped shipping all products to Libya in February, when sanctions were implemented by the international community.

REBELS HAVE TAKEN A TOWN CALLED KIKLA? AND REACHED THE OUTSKIRTS OF ZLITAN,BUT I THINK THEY HAVE WITHDRAWN FROM THAT AREA.

Libyan Rebels Advance West Towards Tripoli

55 Comments

2:57pm UK, Wednesday June 15, 2011
Libyan rebels have advanced beyond their western stronghold of Misratah towards the capital Tripoli where Nato have resumed their airstrikes.

They seized the town of Kikla, 90 miles (150km) southwest of Tripoli, after government troops fell back, and pushed to the outskirts of government-held Zlitan, Reuters reported.

But the rebels said they had been instructed by Nato to withdraw from their positions near Zlitan ahead of expected bombings there.

Nato aircraft dropped leaflets warning troops loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi to abandon their posts outside the town.

The leaflets carried the alliance's symbol and a picture of an Apache attack helicopter and burning tanks.

Alongside the images a message in Arabic said: "When you see these helicopters, it means it is already too late for you. There is no place to hide. If you continue threatening civilians, you will be killed."

Rebel fighters read leaflet dropped by Nato west of Misratah

One of the leaflets dropped by Nato

The rebels said they would not attack Zlitan - even before the threat of a Nato attack - because of tribal sensitivities.

A spokesman in Misratah said they would wait for the local inhabitants to rise up instead.

"We need the people of Zlitan to push more courageously forward," he said.

Meanwhile, Tunisia has toughened its line against Tripoli and declared itself ready to recognise the rebels, as residents near the border reported more Libyan shells landing there.

There have been fresh reports of Col Gaddafi's soldiers deserting his cause and crossing into Tunisia to escape the conflict.

Smoke and fire are seen after coalition air strikes in Tripoli

Fire and smoke after a Nato airstrike in Tripoli

Canada has also said that it now recognises the National Transitional Council (NTC).

On Tuesday night airstrikes resumed in Tripoli after a recent pause in Nato raids on the city.

The Libyan capital came under increased attack at the end of last week, but there has been a lull over the past three days.

Sky producer Neal Mann, in Tripoli, reported the sound of jets lasting for over an hour before the strikes.

Thick smoke and the glow of orange flames were seen in the east of the Libyan capital.

The targets have not been confirmed. Libyan state television said the Firnag district had been hit.

ITS BEING SAID THAT NATO BOMBS STRUCK A BLOCK OF FLATS,KILLING TWO OR MORE PEOPLE

There were 7 deaths and 18 injuries , NATO deny they were responsible but investigating the matter. The Arab Nations have condemned the bombing,Germany Poland and say they will not take part in any raids on Libya . This bombing by Britain has costt us hundreds of millions of £"s but
nothing has been achieved , meantime it is said Gaddaffi waits and this latest bombing if true will alienate many Countries already opposed to the invasion.

MoD Confirms Libya Campaign Has Cost £260m
237 Comments2:33pm UK, Thursday June 23, 2011

The Government has revealed that the cost of UK military operations in Libya as part of the UN resolution currently stands at £260m so far.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox revealed the expenditure after increasing speculation over the exact burden being placed on British taxpayers by the action.

The Ministry of Defence set out how much the Nato-led mission has cost in the written Commons statement.

When military strikes against troops loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi began in March, Chancellor George Osborne told MPs the bill would be in the tens, not hundreds, of millions of pounds.



The MoD revealed that high-tech weapons are a significant cost in the Nato mission


But his deputy, Chief Secretary Danny Alexander, conceded last weekend that it was running into the "hundreds of millions".

Earlier this month, Nato extended the duration of the multi-nation campaign against forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi for another 90 days beyond the original cut-off of June 27.

The cost estimate could rise to £1bn if raids drag on into the autumn, according to some experts.


Defence Insider Bernard Jenkin MP on Libya Costs
The spending is being met from Government reserves rather than normal budgets.

Defending the spending, Dr Fox said the high costs were partly down to the use of expensive precision weaponry "so that we minimise civilian casualties in Libya".

"And if we are going to fight operations in the future based on minimising civilian casualties there is clearly a financial price to pay," he said.

"But I think that that shows that we are on the moral high ground and that we place a higher value on human life than the Gaddafi regime does."



David Cameron has insisted British forces can maintain the tempo in Libya


Prime Minister David Cameron has insisted that British forces can maintain the current level of operations in Libya despite concerns raised by senior military figures.

Meanwhile, MPs have raised concerns about the military operation.

Labour's Barry Gardiner warned that the UK was "acting as the military wing for the rebels in a civil war", while his colleague David Winnick called for Dr Fox to come to the despatch box.

"Why haven't we had a statement from him (Dr Fox) orally at the despatch box?" Mr Winnick said.


Libyan Cost: What Are The Implications?
"Isn't it unfortunate that we get our information either from the media or from written statements and the minister responsible doesn't come here and explain, justify and answer questions accordingly?"

The expenditure was revealed after a speech by Col Gaddafi was broadcast on Libyan state television condemning a Nato air strike killed civilians in the compound of a regime official.

The Libyan leader denounced alliance members as "murderers", adding: "One day we will respond to you likewise and your homes will be legitimate targets."

IT IS REPORTED THAT SUDANESE SOLDIERS HAVE ENTERED KHUFRA.
REBELS ALSO SAY THAT THEY WILL UNDERTAKE A NEW OFFENSIVE IN A FEW DAYS TIME SOUTHWEST OF TRIPLOLI(REBELS ARE ABOUT 80 MILES FROM TRIPOLI)

Gaddafi's Son: 'We Will Never Surrender'

2:03am UK, Monday July 04, 2011

Colonel Gaddafi's son has issued a defiant response to suggestions his father should resign as Libyan leader, branding them a "joke".


Saif al-Islam said the family would 'never surrender'


Saif al-Islam responded after the country's rebel chief said Gaddafi was welcome to retire on Libyan soil, as long as he formally stepped down from his role and agreed to international supervision of his movements.

Gaddafi's son said: "You are not going to win, you have no chance, zero chance to win the war here.

"You should talk with us. If you are angry with us because oil deals are not going well you should talk to us.

"Rebels will not give you anything.

"If you want democracy, we are ready. If you want elections, we are ready. If you want a constitution we are ready; a ceasefire, we are ready.



Mustafa Abdel Jalil says he is still waiting for a reply to his offer


"But the other side is refusing all the time. To tell my father to leave the country, it's a joke.

"We will never surrender, we will fight. It's our country.

Speaking earlier in his stronghold of Benghazi, rebel leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil - Gaddafi's former justice minister - said he made the proposal about a month ago.

He had made the statement through the United Nations, but had yet to receive any response from Tripoli.

"As a peaceful solution, we offered that he can resign and order his soldiers to withdraw from their barracks and positions, and then he can decide either to stay in Libya or abroad," he said.

"If he desires to stay in Libya, we will determine the place and it will be under international supervision.

"And there will be international supervision of all his movements."


If he desires to stay in Libya, we will determine the place and it will be under international supervision. And there will be international supervision of all his movements.

Rebel leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil
He added: "We offered this through a UN envoy. We haven't received any answer."

He said the rebel council believed Col Gaddafi could be held in a military barracks or "a civilian building" in Libya, but gave no details.

The latest development comes as both sides appear to be deadlocked, despite moves by Western powers to step up their bombing campaign.

With the war dragging into a fifth month, there have been moves by some nations to try to mediate a face-saving solution.

This would suit both the rebels and the Tripoli government.

The rebels in Benghazi, a Mediterranean city now festooned with Nato and Libyan monarchy-era flags, say the end to the leader's 41-year rule is near.

Sitting underneath a giant rebel flag in his modestly furnished office in central Benghazi, Mr Jalil was unfazed when asked if he saw himself as Libya's future leader.

"No. I don't hope to be in this position. I am here for the transitional period," he said.

"The leader will be decided through elections. And I don't intend to run myself."

Meanwhile, the African Union has called on member states to disregard the arrest warrant issued against Col Gaddafi by the International Criminal Court

REBEL TO THE SOUTH OF TRIPOLI ARE ABOUT 30/60 MILES AWAY FROM TRIPOLI.
IF THEY CAN GAIN CONTROL OF GARYAH,THEY COULD GET ONTO THE MAIN ROAD INTO TRIPOLI.

Badboy wrote:REBEL TO THE SOUTH OF TRIPOLI ARE ABOUT 30/60 MILES AWAY FROM TRIPOLI.
IF THEY CAN GAIN CONTROL OF GARYAH,THEY COULD GET ONTO THE MAIN ROAD INTO TRIPOLI.

Hi Badboy,

Have you noticed how quiet it"s gone since the Alliance killed civilians when they bombed Libya? I think Gaddafi knows he can"t be ousted because
the Arab Nations would be incensed and Gaddafi also has strong support from many of the Citizens of Libya, it"s not all laid on for the Media.

perhaps it has gone quiet on the libya front,mind you if rebels reached tripoli,that would really be newsworthy

Badboy wrote:perhaps it has gone quiet on the libya front,mind you if rebels reached tripoli,that would really be newsworthy

There is enough going on in the World, the Murdoch scandal, the state of Britain"s economy, the EU possible defaults, Obama trying to reach agreement
with the Republicans before the date the Country could default on their Loans from China so Libya will be on the back burner for now.

Yes. its suddenly appeared back on Sky news today. Strange, after nothing for so long!