In a defiant speech that followed days of bloodshed across Libya, leader Muammar Gaddafi declared he would battle to the ‘last drop of blood.’
After Gaddafi’s speech, which was broadcasted on state television and displayed to hundreds of supporters in Tripoli’s central Green Square, celebratory gunfire could be heard.
This indicates that further violence may be imminent, as bodies were left strewn across the streets of the capital due to pro-regime gunmen and mercenaries who rampaged, shooting anyone in sight and firing from fast-moving vehicles.
Nonetheless, anti-government forces seemed to be gaining traction, highlighted by the Libyan interior minister’s announcement of his defection following Gaddafi’s address, urging the army to ‘join the people.’
Residents escaping from the country’s second city, Benghazi, reported that approximately 2,000 individuals had lost their lives there, corroborating claims that fighter jets and heavy weaponry were deployed against demonstrators.
Additionally, two major oil companies, Italy’s ENI ENI.MI and Spain’s Repsol REP.MC, have ceased operations in the country amid allegations that Gaddafi directed security forces to undermine oil production facilities.
As his 41-year rule faced significant threats, the head of state had initiated a harsh crackdown in response to the thousands of Libyans protesting for change.
He proclaimed, ‘I am a fighter, a revolutionary from tents … I will die as a martyr at the end,’ affirming his commitment to fight ‘to my last drop of blood.’
Encouraging his supporters to take to the streets and confront protesters, he labeled them as misguided youths and ‘drug addicts’ instigated by Islamic fundamentalists.
He urged: ‘You men and women who love Gaddafi … come out of your homes and fill the streets. Leave your homes and challenge them in their lairs.’
‘The police cordons will be dismantled, head out and fight them. Forward, forward, forward!’
The day after a strange appearance where he claimed to be in the Libyan capital while reports suggested he had fled, Gaddafi addressed a gathering in Green Square.
Following extensive global condemnation of his violent reaction to protests and the resignation of several ambassadors from Libya, the 68-year-old leader gave a disjointed speech.
He asserted that ‘superpowers’ had bombed his home and claimed that ‘rats’ were paid to tarnish Libya’s reputation.
Claiming, ‘I am not going to leave this land,’ he added that he wouldn’t ‘give up’ as other leaders had, likely referencing the ousted Tunisian and Egyptian presidents.
He further commented, ‘A small group of young people who have taken drugs have attacked police stations like mice… They have exploited this peace and stability.’
‘Nevertheless, these young people are not to blame; they attempted to mimic what transpired in Tunisia … However, there exists a 
small faction of corrupt individuals infiltrating the cities, distributing drugs and money.’
In his speech, Gaddafi frequently referenced Libya’s history, recounting wars with France, Egypt, the UK, and the U.S.
His fiery rant also cautioned armed demonstrators, those ‘who spy for other countries’and ‘anyone who undermines the constitution’ will face death: ‘I am a fighter, a revolutionary from tents … I will die as a martyr in the end.
‘I have not yet given the command to use force, nor have I ordered a single bullet to be fired … when that happens, everything will ignite.’
While it was speculated that he might devolve power, his address appeared unlikely to lead to any resignation.
He emphasized that he was not a president, hence could not resign, asserting his intention to fight ‘until the last drop’ with the support of the Libyan people.
He mentioned those who ‘love Muammar Gaddafi’ and encouraged supporters to take to the streets without fearing ‘gangs.’
Furthermore, he stated: ‘If necessary, we will employ force, in accordance with international law and the Libyan constitution.’
According to Time magazine, Gaddafi has commanded his forces to destroy oil production facilities, posing a threat to Europe’s oil supply.
Residents and an opposition activist reported to journalists that people were remaining indoors as Gaddafi’s forces attempted to suppress anti-government protests by shooting anyone they saw outside.
In light of the speech and ongoing uncertainties, British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced that the Government was collaborating with airlines to arrange flights home, while a Navy frigate was sent to waters near the troubled nation.
‘We’re working closely with airlines to help as many British nationals as possible to leave Libya,’ Mr. Hague shared during a press conference in London.
Revolutionaries took control of the second city, Benghazi, amidst reports of 2,000 deaths there. Other areas in eastern Libya were also captured yesterday, and Tripoli woke up this morning to find corpses scattered across the streets after security forces loyal to Gaddafi fired on demonstrators.
Many bodies had not been removed due to warnings for residents to stay indoors, as reported by Mohammed Ali of the Libyan Salvation Front.
He stated that eyewitnesses observed Gaddafi’s forces shooting at ambulances, resulting in some protesters bleeding to death.
Last night, the colonel appeared on Libyan television to assert that he remains in the country, even as Tripoli burned and his troops were reportedly firing upon, bombing, and attacking civilian demonstrators.
During Gaddafi’s speech today, it was reported that a ‘Libyan naval asset’ had been sighted off the coast of Malta, a day after two fighter jets had landed on the island after defecting from the Libyan military.
Gaddafi’s presence in Green Square followed claims that mercenaries from Russia and former Soviet territories were battling Libyan protesters on his behalf.
by Sasha Dubronitz
