Libyan leader facing final stand in Tripoli

Anne Barker, Middle East correspondent

Last Updated: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:34:00 +1100

Libyan forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have launched another fierce attack on opposition groups at Zawiya - in the country's northwest.

Opposition militias now appear to control major centres in Libya's east, and there are reports they've managed to take two western cities of Misrata and Zuara - bringing the uprising closer to the capital Tripoli where Colonel Gaddafi's forces reportedly have their strongest base.

One Libyan newspaper says gunbattles at Zawiyah - west of the capital - have left at least 10 people dead.

Eye witnesses report heavy gunfire from Libyan forces and hired mercenaries at Zawiya - a city on the northwest coast, with some accounts saying the pro-Gaddafi forces even used anti aircraft missiles to attack civilians.

One man told Al Jazeera television at least 100 people had died.

Colonel Gaddafi has blamed the ongoing violence on young Libyans inspired by Al Qaeda's leader Osama bin Laden.

In a telephone speech on Libyan TV he also said they were fuelled by milk and Nescafe spiked with hallucinogenic drugs.

He denied he was in any way to blame.

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