Reports: Gadhafi Security Surrenders, Sons Captured

Euphoric rebels meet little resistance as they enter Tripoli
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 21, 2011 3:09 PM CDT
Updated Aug 21, 2011 5:07 PM CDT
Libya Uprising: Rebels Push to Tripoli Outskirts as Moammar Gadhafi Vows to Stay
Volunteers carry a wounded rebel fighter in the Abu-Rafat hospital on the outskirts of Zawiya, LIbya, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011.   (Sergey Ponomarev)

As the Libya endgame continues, news is breaking quickly: A rebel leader tells the AP Seif al-Islam Gadhafi has been arrested, and Reuters reports that Moammar Gadhafi's government is ready to negotiate with rebels. Earlier reports on Twitter stated that both of Gadhafi's sons had been captured (his eldest reportedly surrendered); that Gadhafi's security and presidential guard have surrendered; and that hundreds of people are out on the streets of Tripoli celebrating. The Washington Post reports that Gadhafi's compound is basically surrounded and the rebel flag flies from many buildings. Earlier, Reuters reported that the rebels entered the capital with little resistance.

Rebels say they currently control a handful of Tripoli neighborhoods. Gadhafi recently gave his second audio message in less than 24 hours on state TV, urging those in Tripoli to arm themselves and "fight for your politics, your oil, your land. I am with you in Tripoli—together until the ends of the earth," he shouted, sounding angry. Reuters also notes that he vowed to stay in Tripoli "until the end." He stated his fears that "they will burn Tripoli," but assured loyalists that "we will ... win." The Atlantic Wire says that, according to Moussa Ibrahim, 1,300 people have been killed in 11 hours. (More Moammar Gadhafi stories.)

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