A car exploded outside the French embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli Tuesday morning in what was likely a planned attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion, which wounded two French security guards and damaged part of the embassy’s compound.
French President Francois Hollande has called on Libya to investigate the bombing, which reportedly killed nobody, but injured three: “France expects the Libyan authorities to shed the fullest light on this unacceptable act, so that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.”
A massive column of smoke fills the sky near Tripoli, reported to be originating from a military warehouse belonging to Gaddafi on Saturday, Sept. 24. A series of explosions rocked the military warehouse and a huge plume of smoke rose over the harbor on Saturday afternoon, although the cause of the blasts is not confirmed. (AP)
Wow, crazy photo right there.
MI6 and the CIA knew absolutely how much torture was taking place. They knew that these people would be abused in custody when they were sent back to Libya. Why else would you hand them over to the Libyans? You captured him, you have all of your black sites anyway, but you offered him to the Libyans. Of course the [CIA] letters say, ‘Please commit to us that you will respect their human rights.’ But that’s just talk.Peter Bouckaert, emergencies director for Human Rights Watch • Speaking on the trove of documents he himself copied in Tripoli and released to various media. They show that following Gaddafi’s 2003 vow to give up his weapons of mass destruction, the CIA and MI6 both engaged in renditions to send political opponents of Gaddafi’s regime into Libya, presumably knowing the sort of inhumane treatment and torture would await them. One example: A current commander of rebel forces in Tripoli, Abdulhakim Belhadj, was rendered into Libya by the CIA, where he claims he was isolated and tortured. (h/t ZeitVox) source (via • follow)
Languishing in cages: A video from CNN highlighting the plight of the animals still locked in the Tripoli Zoo, where their care and basic necessities have been both neglected by many, and made generally unavailable. The images of visibly undernourished tigers and lions are unpleasant to see, as it is to reflect on the fate these animals could face unless they get help — presumably a slow death by hunger and dehydration. source
Libyan rebels believe Gaddafi is cornered: The New York Times is reporting that the Libyan rebels believe Muammar Gaddafi has been pinned down in Bani Walid, a desert town that sits about 150 miles from Tripoli. Said Abdul Hafith Ghoga, the deputy chairman of Libya’s transition council: “Since today we have learned that he is staying in Bani Walid, we are waiting to give him a chance to surrender.” It’s worth remembering that yesterday, Libyan council leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil gave Gaddafi loyalists a four-day surrender deadline. source
No dignified, honorable nation would accept an ultimatum from armed gangs.Still-around Gaddafi spokesman Moussa Ibrahim • Denying that his boss would give in to demands that the longstanding Libyan dictator should give in to the rebels. Time’s running out if Gaddafi actually plans to surrender — the rebels plan a major military strike if he doesn’t. source (via • follow)
Time to take bets: Did Gaddafi leave to Algeria with his family? Throw your money down, guys.
A key point from the story:
Under international humanitarian law, violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds of civilians and persons not engaged in combat such as detainees is always strictly prohibited and constitutes a war crime. This is irrespective of whether the conflict is an international or non-international conflict.
This is not a fun one to read, so know that going in. (via idroolinmysleep)
Tripoli needs lots of food. There is nothing there … we’re bringing this to them and then we’ll do more runs as needed.Libyan man Lassad Trabelsi • Regarding the decision to open up the main border between Tunisia and Libya. Trabelsi was one of many people driving trucks through through the crossing in order to get supplies, which has been tough considering, you know, the deadly civil war in the country. And Tunisians are ready to help. “We’re ready to supply whatever our brothers need,” said one supplier who set up near the border. source (via • follow)
Holy hell. Reminder: Don’t forget about Libya, guys.
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Tumblr this morning. [h/t anne]
#@#$%!.tumblr.com
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mdt:
Weirdest thing ever. Qaddafi’s Condi Rice Tribute Book.
via Qaddafi Hearts Condi? Condoleezza Rice Photo Album Found In Libyan Leader’s Compound | TPMMuckraker)
Sounds like someone had a crush on Condi.
Rixos hotel journalists freed: An awesome end to a scary story that could’ve proven tragic. Great news!
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