Commanders for Libya’s transitional authorities say they have captured ousted leader Col Muammar Gaddafi.
The reports came after transitional forces claimed control of Sirte, Col Gaddafi’s birthplace, following weeks of fierce fighting.
Col Gaddafi is said to be wounded. There is no independent confirmation of the reports.
There are also reports now that Gaddafi has died from wounds after being captured. This too hs not yet been confirmed.
The colonel was toppled in August after 42 years in power. The International Criminal Court is seeking his arrest.
“He’s captured. He’s wounded in both legs,” National Transitional Council (NTC) official Abdel Majid told Reuters news agency.
“He’s been taken away by ambulance.”
AFP news agency quoted another NTC official, Mohamed Leith, as saying that Col Gaddafi had been captured in Sirte.
A soldier who says he captured Muammar Gaddafi told the BBC the colonel had shouted: “Don’t shoot!”
The BBC’s Caroline Hawley in Tripoli says although the capture is unconfirmed, ships and cars have been sounding their horns in the capital and guns are being fired in celebration. (BBC)
