Libyan Freedom Fighter inside Rixos hotel, looking for Gaddafi and his loyalists. Later, they enter the large network of tunnels which connect the Rixos Hotel with the Gaddafi compound and the hospital. It is unbelievable how extensive they are, able to accommodate vehicles, and the bunkers are elegantly appointed and well stocked. Example: fully functional hospital. Lavish furnishings. Stocks of exotic foods and every conceivable luxury. And that is just the tunnel complex. The many family compounds are still being explored as they are entered, and looting is minimal, as the Libyan people have better character than their ex-leader.
The search for G and his thugs continues as I write this. Yesterday involved raised hopes as #FFs reported that they had him surrounded in "a small hole" in an apartment building near the compound, then possibly a farm to the east of the airport, then finally, no sign of Gaddafi and his followers. The hunt continues as Tripoli and all of Libya continue to fight Loyalist insurgencies in some pockets throughout Libya, set up the offices of the National Transitional Council in the outskirts of Tripoli, and bring services such as TV, electricity and water back to full function.
The hospitals and clinics are overwhelmed with dead and inured, and are short on staff and supplies. Food would also be welcomed by anyone willing or able to deliver. Aid and supplies are coming in at a steady pace on ships from countries around the world. NATO continues its mission of protecting the Libyan without letup. Sirte was visited by NATO missiles last night. Families are reunited as prisoners held by Gaddafi regime are being freed from the various detention centers and prisons, some after long internment and torture. Many were massacred in the process. Journalists continue to report to the world, and Libyans offer them food and water on the streets. Friends of Freedom Fighters and the people of Libya celebrate their emergence from the shadow of the dictator of 42 years.
Countries throughout the world recognize the NTC as the legitimate authority of Libya in batches or in singles each day, the list grows. The AU fell in line today. There are some holdouts, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Bahrain - what's up? Why are you all so slow to recognize the reality of the victory of the Libyan people? Venezuela and Nicaragua may be waiting to host Gaddafi and his clan in dire hopes of his escape. They may have a long wait. The #FF are even now searching the network of tunnels and bunkers, in all their opulence, that Gaddafi had prepared for this eventuality, even as we speak. The NTC has declared that they will prefer to take him alive so that he must face trial and justice, but who knows what the freedom Fighters may have to do to get him.
Gaddafi's son continues to email CNN's Nic Robertson with statements that he is authorized to negotiate a cease-fire now. Hold the chuckles, please. The irrationality of this despotic ruling family has become a global joke. I guess it is hard to keep current when you are stuck in a rathole, or fleeing and hiding from your own people, and at the same time calling on the loyalists to continue to fight. The madness is unfathomable to the rest of us.
The UN will begin today by releasing $1.5 billion of frozen Libyan funds for immediate relief, and more funds will be released throughout the world in the coming days for the people of Libya to rebuild their decimated country. All of this without the benefit of His Royal Ego.
Gaddafi and his family and followers are all being hunted down. There is at least 1.2 million dollar bounty on his head. The end is near for him. Freedom fighters and everyone else are pursuing this fugitive who is under indictment by the Hague. Gaddafi, do you still say "My Beoble Love Me?"
Map showing apartments where Gaddafi and his family were thought to be yesterday, courtesy of @TrablesVoice.
