Reply #36: Gaddafi tanks emerge after rebels sweep into Tripoli

[pinboy3niner]

(Reuters WRAPUP 8)

Mon Aug 22, 2011 7:24am GMT


• Gaddafi tanks reported to be shelling parts of Tripoli

• Rebels take over Green Square, call it "Martyrs Square"

• Reports that loyal Gaddafi units continue fighting

• Two Gaddafi sons detained


By Missy Ryan


TRIPOLI, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Libyan government tanks shelled parts of central Tripoli on Monday after rebels swept into the heart of the city and crowds took to the streets to celebrate what they saw as the end of Muammar Gaddafi's four decades in power.


Tanks emerged from Gaddafi's stronghold in the centre of the Libyan capital and were firing shells, a rebel spokesman said. Sporadic gunfire could be heard as world leaders tried to assess how long Gaddafi's forces might hold on and how the fractious rebel alliance might run the oil-rich desert state.


Nouri Echtiwi, a rebel spokesman in Tripoli, told Reuters: "Four hours of calm followed the street celebrations. Then tanks and pick-up trucks with heavy machineguns mounted on the back came out of Bab al-Aziziya, the last of Gaddafi's bastions, and started firing and shelling Assarin Street and al-Khalifa area.


"They fired randomly in all directions whenever they heard gunfire."

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http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7JL0LD20110822?sp=true