Conflicting reports on Gaddafi’s escape from Libya

THE Libyan dictator, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, is rumoured to have fled Libya, as rebelforces finalised plan to peacefully take control of Bani Walid, where he is believed to be hiding.
Bani Walid people had remained loyal to Gaddafi, after rebels took over control of government in Libya, while the rebel forces were to launch attack on Gaddafi without bloodshed, after a peace deal was struck earlier on Tuesday.
Gaddafi was believed tobe in a convoy of about 200 vehicles carrying forces loyal to his government and was reported to have crossed into neighbouring Niger Republic on Tuesday.
The United States State Department confirmed on Tuesday that “military vehicles carrying a dozen or more senior military leaders from Gaddafi’s government are headingtoward the capital, Niamey, after moving into Niger late on Monday.
“The capital is in the country’s south-western corner near Burkina Faso, where officials offered Gaddafiasylum about two weeks ago.”
Though the State Department spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland, who confirmed the development to theVoice of America (VOA), said “the US does not believe Gaddafiis in the convoy,” addingthat there were unconfirmed reports that the Libyan dictator was among the group, thought to include his security chief, Mansour Daw.
Nuland said the US ambassador to Niger spoke to someone in the foreign ministry andbelieved the government of Niger would take appropriate measures to respond tothe international community and work with Libya’s National Transitional Council.