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Muammar Gaddafi Killed, Captured In Sirte: Reports (GRAPHIC PHOTOS): Longtime dictator of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi... huff.to/nokLav
Muammar Gaddafi Killed, Captured In Sirte: Reports (GRAPHIC PHOTOS)
First Posted: 10/20/11 08:00 AM ET Updated: 10/20/11 11:44 AM ET
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Longtime dictator of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi, reportedly has been killed. Following the capture of Muammar Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte, contradictory reports emerged that Colonel Gaddafi may have beenkilled or captured in Libya.
Al Jazeera and Libyan state television are reporting that the Libyan dictator has been killed during a gunbattle in Sirte. A senior National Transitional Council official, Abdel Majid, told Reuters by telephone that Gaddafi has died of wounds suffered during his capture in Sirte. Reuters reports that he was wounded in both legs as he "tried to flee in a convoy which NATO warplanes attacked."
The U.S. State Department has not confirmed Colonel Gaddafi's capture or death. "The State Department cannot at this time confirm media reports on the capture or killing of Muammar Qadhafi,” spokesperson Victoria Nuland said,according to Politico.
The Misrata Military Council, one of multiple command groups for revolutionary forces, says its fighters captured Gadhafi in Sirte. Another commander, Abdel-Basit Haroun, says Gadhafi was killed when an airstrike hit a convoy trying to flee.
In Tripoli, celebrations are already underway with gunfire and honking. "We've heard quite a lot of celebratory gunfire," Caroline Hawley reports for the BBC.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Libya on Tuesday to offer a new aid package. She told students during a gathering in Tripoli, "We hope [Gaddafi] can be captured or killed soon so that you don't have to fear him any longer."
Gaddafi was ousted from power in August, and his whereabouts have been unknown for months. The Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, accused Libya's former ruler of crimes against humanity.
Reuters is also reporting that an official from the National Transitional Council, Libya's interim government, has confirmed the death of Abu Bakr Yunis Jabr, Gaddafi's Minister of Defense.
This is a breaking news update, further information will be added as it becomes available.
Below, follow live updates:
11:50 AM – Today
Al Arabiya FootageAl Arabiya posted more footage reportedly showing Gaddafi in Sirte.
Warning: Graphic video
11:44 AM – Today
Saif Al Islam GaddafiThere are unconfirmed reports that Saif Al Islam Gaddafi, another of the former Libyan leader's sons, has been arrested while trying to fly Sirte.
Al Jazeera's Karl Stagno-Navarro tweeted earlier that Seif Al Islam came under heavy attack by Libyan fighters on his way out of Sirte.
 | @ ksnavarra : BREAKING: #Seif al Islam under heavy attack, reached by freedom fighters in #Alhera after he fled #Sirte attack that killed his father |
