GADDAFI SURROUNDED?

Rebels say they have Gadhafi surrounded, but few are certain of the claim. Meanwhile fierce fighting has continued around the Abu Salim neighborhood where rebels suspect Gaddhafi may be hiding. If true, this will be the bitter end of the dictator's regime in Libya.

TRIPOLI, LIBYA (Catholic Online) - Rebels have been going house-to-house, fighting and searching for Gaddhafi and his supporters. Large numbers of prisoners have been captured. Residents are trying to flee the area, but are being warned to stay indoors by the rebels. Rebels claim the intensity of the fighting means Gadhaffi is trapped and will shortly be in their hands.

Gaddhafi's whereabouts remain unknown as a reward equal to $1.7 million dollars has been offered to anyone who turns him in, dead or alive. Amnesty has been added to the offer if one of his inner circle turn him in, who will otherwise be prosecuted as criminals.

Extra: Dead or Alive

Gaddhafi remains defiant. In another message, to supporters, he claimed that he had discreetly traveled around Tripoli and found that the rebels are few in number. He exhorted hi followers to rise up and attack the rebels. He proclaimed, "Libya is for the Libyan people and not for the agents, not for imperialism, not for France, not for Sarkozy, not for Italy. Tripoli is for you, not for those who rely on NATO."

Rebels claim that virtually all of Libya is now under their control.

The town of Sirte, what may be Gaddhafi's last stronghold is next on the rebel's list. Sirte is Gaddhafi's hometown and is the only remaining base of support for the dictator. Rebels claim they are preparing heavy equipment for their assault on Sirte which is expected to occur within the next day or so. Forces have already been reported as moving into position around the city.

Evidence of further atrocities by the Gaddhafi regime was also uncovered in Tripoli. The bodies of 15 men were recovered who were identified by rebels and their families as being political opponents of Gaddhafi. It is believed they were executed as rebel fighters closed in on Tripoli a few days ago. 

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