Gaddafi family flees, Khamis Gaddafi likely dead

Muammar Gaddafi's second wife, two sons, and his daughter are in Algeria according to Algerian authorities. Gaddafi's son Khamis may also be dead, according to Libyan rebels.

TRIPOLI, LIBYA (Catholic Online) - Libyan rebels are upset about the escape of Gaddafi's family members, but are taking the reports as another sure sign of victory. Algerian authorities claimed that members of Gaddafi's family entered the country at 8:45 AM. They also stated that the family may be continuing to another country, although they did not identify which, if any. 

The rebels have announced they want Gaddafi's family back to prosecute them for alleged crimes. Algeria, which has been closely allied with Gaddafi's regime, is unlikely to cooperate, and still has not recognized the rebel government. The new Libyan government is unlikely to have very strong relations with Algeria. Rebels have accused Algeria of sending mercenaries to fight on Gaddafi's behalf. 

Early reports from Libya also claim that Khamis Gaddafi may be dead. Rebels claim that he has been killed and buried south of Tripoli. The details are unconfirmed, and the rebels have made numerous claims that have turned out to be unsubstantiated. Among those claims have been earlier assertions of Khamis Gaddafi's death.

Lending credibility--this time, is information that Khamis was travelling in a military convoy that included several new Mercedes vehicles. Rebels claim the loyalists fought fiercely to protect the vehicles. Two of the vehicles were destroyed with their occupants and Khamis was said to be among the deceased passengers.

If Khamis Gaddafi is still alive, he will be wanted for war crimes. The International Criminal COurt has placed Khamis on their wanted list for crimes against humanity, specifically for the killing of dozens of detainees.

Khamis is reputed to command a brigade of loyalist troops, named for himself, the "Khamis Brigade" and the unit is believed to have committed multiple atrocities, most notably the killing of dozens of people found dead in a burned out Tripoli warehouse. 

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