Gaddafi's sub-Saharan mercenaries
This is an interesting twist.
Quote:
Khamis Gaddafi, a son of Libya ruler Moammar Gaddafi, recruited French-speaking Sub-Saharan African mercenaries to shoot live rounds at pro-democracy protestors, reported Al Arabiya, citing sources in the city of Benghazi.
These sources claim this knowledge because they’ve captured some of the mercenaries, who confessed their identity and the fact that Khamis Gaddafi hired them.
The sources also said they saw non-Libyan mercenaries flown in from other African countries land in the Benina International Airport near Benghazi.
Read more: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/1146...#ixzz1Edg935tB
For the doubting Thomas'
Quote:
An alleged African mercenary is lyched by an enfuriated mob of protestors. The image is taken from a video posted on YouTube.
http://observers.france24.com/conten...youth-movement
The last press release from ICG on Libya
Quote:
Immediate International Steps Needed to Stop Atrocities in Libya
Brussels | 22 Feb 2011
With credible reports of concerted deadly attacks against civilians committed by Libyan security forces, including the use of military aircraft to indiscriminately attack demonstrators, the international community must respond immediately.
For members of the world community, many of whom long condoned authoritarian regimes in the Arab world and only fully backed the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings once the outcome had become clear, Libya presents a critical test. So far, the Libyan regime has offered its people no prospect beyond submission, civil war or a blood bath; its actions have condemned it in the eyes of its own people and of the world.
Many have already denounced the violent acts, but actions must now follow words. Crisis Group recommends the following urgent steps:
Imposing targeted sanctions against Muammar Qaddafi and family members as well as others involved in the repression, including an immediate assets freeze;
Offering safe haven to Libyan aircraft pilots and other security personnel who refuse to carry out illegal regime orders to attack civilians;
Cancelling all ongoing contracts and cooperation for the supply of military equipment and training to Libyan security forces;
Imposing an international embargo to prevent the sale and delivery of any military equipment or support to Libyan security forces while refraining from any commercial sanctions that could harm civilians;
In light of the intensity of the violence and its likely regional effects, the United Nations Security Council should:
strongly condemn Libya's resort to state violence against civilians and call on the Libyan government and security forces to immediately halt all such attacks and restore access for humanitarian flights to Libyan air space;
call on member states to take the above-mentioned actions;
establish an international commission of inquiry into alleged crimes against humanity in Libya since 1 February 2011, tasking it to investigate the conduct of the Libyan government and all its varied security forces, as well as allegations concerning the involvement of foreign mercenaries. The body should provide recommendations on steps to be taken by national and international authorities to ensure accountability for any crime;
plan the establishment of a no-fly zone under Chapter VII if aircraft attacks against civilians continue.
Individual nations, particularly those with close ties to Libya, and international actors -- such as the African Union, the Arab League, and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference -- should support these and other similar measures.
Moreover, Libya’s neighbours should open their borders to provide humanitarian aid and safe haven to the wounded and to those fleeing violence.
People throughout the region are claiming their rights. In several countries, their actions have led to relatively peaceful transitions or to renewed dialogue toward reform. Libya's leaders have chosen a different path, with devastating consequences for their citizens. How the international community responds could help determine whether others opt to heed their people's demands or choose to cling to power at a high, and terrifying, cost.
http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/public...-in-libya.aspx
Some eyes witness details on what happened
A testimony from a doctor who was evacuated yesterday from Libya.
Quote:
"C'était un carnage absolu"
À partir du mercredi 16 février, on a constaté une frénésie dans la population, les gens étaient certains que l'armée allait les attaquer. Les forces de répression comprennent la police, l'armée, mais surtout des mercenaires tchadiens, nigériens, entraînés au fin fond du Sahara et très bien équipés et armés. On les a vus passer dans des 4x4, armés jusqu'aux dents, c'était très impressionnant.
Benghazi a été attaqué le jeudi. Nos ambulances sur le terrain ont compté, le premier jour, 75 morts ; le deuxième, 200 ; ensuite plus de 500. Dès le troisième jour, je n'avais plus de morphine ni de médicaments. Au début, les forces de répression tiraient sur les gens aux jambes et à l'abdomen. Ensuite, au thorax et à la tête. Ensuite on a vu des tirs de mortier, et carrément de roquettes antiaériennes, directement dans la foule. Un carnage. Des gens brûlés, déchiquetés. Au total, je pense qu'il y a plus de 2 000 morts ; on a rempli deux hôpitaux de 1 500 lits.
J'ai réanimé un des mes étudiants de 6e année de médecine, il avait pris une balle dans la tête, qui lui était sortie par la bouche. Comme les autres jeunes, il était parti, torse nu, attaquer les points stratégiques du gouvernement. Ils sont prêts à mourir, ils s'en foutent, ils n'ont pas d'arme. Les premiers jours, les policiers avaient entassé les morts pour les impressionner, ils ont continué. Ils veulent en finir une fois pour toutes, ils savent que c'est cette semaine que le régime tombe ou jamais.
http://www.lepoint.fr/monde/c-etait-...1298481_24.php
I translate :
An absolute carnage
Starting Wednesday 16, we noticed a Frenzy among the population, people weresure that the army would attack them. The repression forces are composed of the police, the army but mainly of Chadian and Nigerian mercenaries trained deep in Sahara and very well equipped. We saw them pass by in 4X4, heavily armed, it was very impressive.
Benghazi was attacked on Thursday. Our ambulances in the field counted 75 KIA the first day; the second one, 200; after more than 500. Since the third day I did not have morphine anymore neither did I have drugs. In the beginning, the repression forces were shooting in the legs and the belly. After in the chest and the head. After that we saw mortar and anti aircraft rockets, straight in the crowd. A total butchery. People were burned, blown up. In total, I believe there was more than 2000 KIA. We filled up 2 hospitals of 1500 beds.
I treated one of my 6 grad medicine students, he had been shot in the head, the bullet was gone through his mouth. As the other youth he was gone naked torso to attack government strategical points. They are ready to die, they do not care, they do not have weapons. The first day, policemen pilled the corps to impress them, they kept going on. They want to end it up once for all, they know that it is this week or never to bring the regime down.