by ATinNM
Sat Feb 19th, 2011 at 12:42:20 PM EST
Need a diary to keep up with situation in Libya.
Basis is a comment I wrote in today's Salon.
Things are turning ugly in Libya.
Gaddaffi is hiring mercenaries, reportedly at $30,000 (US,) a huge sum considering the average Libyan lives on $2 (US) per day. The regime is distributing weapons to supporters in Sirt. Some army units firing on demonstrators, including reports of rocket attacks at the city of Benghazi, a stronghold of anti-Gaddaffi support.
Constant reports (tweets and Al Jazeera) of police and army units switching sides and supporting/protecting demonstrators. Videos of Libyan armed protesters, some with heavy weapons.
Reports generals of the Army and Air Force as well as Colonels in the Army have resigned/been arrested for refusing to order their units to fire on protesters.
Reports protesters have seized radio station in Benghazi and are transmitting over the internet:
here
do not speak Arabic so I cannot confirm.
Reports protests are starting in Tripoli and other cities of eastern Libya, usually considered centers of support for the regime.
Reports hospitals are running out of space and supplies as "bodies are pouring in."
(and on and on and on ....)
Civil War in Libya starting?