Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son and former heir-apparent of murdered Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, was captured at a checkpoint in the desert near the town of Obari at around 1:30 a.m. He was later transported to the western mountain town on Zintan. According to Reuters, Gadhafi was afraid he'd be killed like his father. "At the beginning he was very scared. He thought we would kill him," one of his captors said. Asked by a reporter if he was physically okay, Gadhafi answered, "Yes." According to the Times, news of his capture caused massive celebrations in Tripoli.
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![[UPDATE] Gadhafi Killed, Graphic Photo And Video Surfaces](http://gothamist.com/assets_c/2011/10/102011gadh-thumb-105x105-668016.jpg)
Results tagged “moammergadhafi”
Gadhafi's Son And Former Heir Apparent Is Captured
Videos: SNL Features Gadhafi's Ghost, Kardashian Divorce, And A Crime Scene About Nothing
After a three-week break, Saturday Night Live made up for lost ground by starting things off with a visit from the ghost of Moammer Gadhafi, who confirmed, "I got murdered pretty bad last week." The show also took aim at Kim Kardashian's short-lived, televised marriage with Nasim Pedrad's dead-on impression, "Things are looking up for me. I'm single, and there's an NBA lock-out."
Gadhafi Secretly Buried Somewhere In Libyan Desert
Early this morning, Libya's National Transitional Council buried former leader Moammer Gadhafi—as well as his son Mutassim and ex-defense minister Abu Bakr Younis—in an undisclosed location somewhere in the Libyan desert. According to Al Jazeera, "the Gaddafa tribe had asked for the bodies to be delivered to them and to be buried in Sirte, Gaddafi's hometown on the Mediterranean coast, in accordance with his will, but this request was refused." Reporter Hoda Hamid explained, "The NTC did not want the grave to become a shrine, so tribe members were allowed to pray over the body before it was buried, and then NTC commanders took his body into the unknown location in the desert and buried it."
Absurdly Wealthy Moammer Gadhafi Allegedly Killed With Favorite Golden Gun
As Libyans struggle to unite in anticipation of next month's elections, new details are emerging about the days leading up to the death of Libyan dictator Moammer Gadhafi, and the exact circumstance of how he died. While there have been several different accounts of how Gadhafi was killed after he was captured by rebels this week, a witness told the London Times that rebels shot Gadhafi with his own favorite golden gun in the midst of the chaos.
Gadhafi's Body Put In Freezer So His Death Can Be Further Investigated
As more and more graphic videos and photographs emerge showing Libyan dictator Moammer Gadhafi's last moments and corpse, his burial has been delayed as leaders are apparently arguing over how to handle the burial and as the United Nations has called for an investigation into his death. The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said, "There seem to be four or five different versions of how he died. More details are needed to ascertain whether he was killed in the fighting or after his capture." Now, Gadhafi's body is in a meat locker (graphic image here).
Video: 1987 Sitcom Knew Gadhafi Would Be Killed In 2011
Sometimes, TV sitcoms can predict the future...and the deaths of Libyan strongmen. The Daily News reports, "Twenty four years ago, a short-lived sitcom starring Matthew Perry predicted the death of Moammar Khadafy -- right down to the year and manner in which he was killed."
[UPDATE] Gadhafi Killed, Graphic Photo And Video Surfaces
[UPDATES BELOW] Former Libyan dictator Moammer Gadhafi is "killed"! Or wounded! But definitely captured. Or maybe not? Something's happening. We'll update as information becomes available, but at press time that other guy who killed 270 people in the Pan Am 103 bombing is still chilling in his crib.
Libyan Rebels Claim They Have Surrounded Condoleezza Rice-Loving Gadhafi
Libyan rebel leaders are claiming that they have surrounded a cluster of buildings where deposed leader Moammar Gadhafi and some of his sons are hiding out. On Sunday, rebel forces took over the Libyan capital of Tripoli, essentially bringing Gadhafi's four decade rule to an end. Gadhafi escaped that attack, but rebels say the end is nigh: "They are together. They are in a small hole. Today we finish. Today we will end that," said one of the fighters involved in the battle, Muhammad Gomaa.
Where In The World Is Moammer Gadhafi?
The European Union is preparing for a "post-Gadhafi" era; the United Nations Secretary General is working to facilitate Libya's transition; and Egypt, Oman and Bahrain have formally recognized the rebel authorities. There's just one problem (okay, myriad problems): That rascally Moammer Gadhafi remains at large! And yesterday his son—who was supposedly in the hands of the rebels—strolled into the luxury hotel where many reporters are staying/trapped and took several of them on a drive through parts of Tripoli still under the regime’s control. "We have broken the backbone of the rebels," he told BBC, adding that the rebels had fallen into a trap.
Update: Gadhafi's Son In Custody, Libyan Leader Begs For Ceasefire
Rebel fighters have reportedly taken over the Libyan capital of Tripoli, and NATO is saying that the rule of Moammer Gadhafi is "crumbling." The Libyian rebels say that they have captured Seif al Islam Gadhafi and have surrounded the Gadhafi compound. "Tonight it's over," said Mohamad al Akari, a Transitional National Council advisor. And Reuters has Tweeted, "Gadhafi prepared to negotiate directly with head of rebel transitional council: spokesman." [Updates Below]
Finally: Gadhafi Asking NYC, London PR Firms For Help
Sure, the economy is hurting so a job's a job... but will any public relations firms agree to take on Moammer Gadhafi and the Libyan government as a client? The NY Post reports, "The Libyan strongman...is looking to hire a New York public-relations rep to scrub his homicidal image, asking for help to counter the fallout of a civil war that threatens to topple his brutal regime." Some of the duties would include "head[ing] daily press briefings and spread[ing] the good word on the tyrant's 'moral' and 'legal' claims to power -- all while rebel forces battle to end Khadafy's 42 years of terror." Wow, we can see the Happy Friday email pitches now!
Report: Gadhafi Survives NATO Missile That Kills His Son, Three Grandchildren
Yesterday, a NATO missile strike reportedly killed one of Libyan leader Moammer Gadhafi's sons. The Libyan government said Saif al-Arab Gadhafi, as well as three of Col Gaddafi's grandchildren, died in the attack on a villa in Tripoli. The NY Times calls this "the sharpest intensification yet of the NATO air campaign intended to pressure the Libyan leader from power." However, Al Jazeera reports there's "growing scepticism" over whether Saif al-Arab Gadhafi was killed.
Queens Man Fears For Libyan Relatives As Nobel-Winning President Escalates War
As the Libyan rebels continue to give ground to Moammer Gadhafi's loyalist forces, a Queens local fears for the lives of his nine brothers, two sisters, and numerous cousins who have all been cut off from their telephones and the Internet, the Daily News reports.
Obama Explains Why U.S. Is In Libya, Critics Pounce
President Obama addressed the nation last night, explaining why the U.S. was involved in military actions against Libyan forces, "To brush aside America’s responsibility as a leader and -- more profoundly -- our responsibilities to our fellow human beings under such circumstances would have been a betrayal of who we are. Some nations may be able to turn a blind eye to atrocities in other countries. The United States of America is different. And as President, I refused to wait for the images of slaughter and mass graves before taking action."
Gadhafi Calls Allies "Crazed Fascists... I Do Not Fear Them"
Though allied forces destroyed his compound in Bab al-Aziza, Libyan strongman leader Moammer Gadhafi appears to be fine, as he gave a speech to rally loyalists and denounce the allies last night, "These people are crazed fascists. We will win this historic battle." But a British official says, "Effectively, [Libya's] air force no longer exists as a fighting force" and the U.S. military says it's stepping up its actions in rebel cities.
Freed NY Times Journalists Describe Capture In Libya
Now that four NY Times reporters are free after being captured by forces loyal to Libyan strongman Moammer Gadhafi, they described what happened to them to their paper. Apparently they were trying to leave the Ajdabiya area, where they had been covering a battle, but their driver "inadvertently drove into a checkpoint manned by forces loyal to Colonel Qaddafi. By the time they knew they were in trouble, it was too late."
U.S. Fighter Jet Crashes In Libya; Pilots Ejected, Now "Safe"
One of the crew members was recovered by Libyan rebels. ABC News reports, "The aircraft, based out of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, was flying out of Aviano Air Base in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn at the time of the incident." The NY Times calls this the "first known setback" to the operation and, "After three days of strikes authorized by the United Nations Security Council, however, disputes within the allied coalition over the future of the mission seemed unresolved, while China added its voice to demands by opponents of the intervention for an immediate cease-fire."
Allies Destroy Gadhafi's Compound, NY Times Reporters Freed
Last night, a missile strike hit Libyan strongman leader Moammer Gadhafi's compound in Bab al-Aziza. CNN reported that the compound "lay in shambles Monday following bombing by the United States and its allies, prompting a debate about whether the allies were trying to kill the Libyan leader." But a coalition military official told the network "neither Gadhafi nor his residence were intended targets of the bombing late Sunday...[and he] said the compound was targeted because it contained command-and-control facilities for Libyan forces." U.S. Vice Adm. Bill Gortney said at a Pentagon press briefing, "We are not going after Gadhafi."
Gadhafi Promises "Long War," Calls Allies "New Nazis"
After U.S. and European forces started an attack on Libyan loyalists yesterday, strongman leader Moammer Gadhafi gave a 15-minute speech promising a "long war," "We will fight for every square in our land. We will die as martyrs." Gadhafi also referred to the allies as "the new Nazis" and said there would be a retribution against anyone aiding them, "We will fight and we will target any traitor who is co-operating with the Americans or with the Christian Crusade." Well, would it comfort him to know that Michael Moore hates this too?
Allies Enter Libyan Airspace, Led By French Fighter Jets
French fighter jets flew over Libya, after Libyan leader Moammer Gadhafi's forces seemed intent to flout the U.N.'s no-fly zone declaration. However, Gadhafi sent a letter to President Barack Obama stating, "I have all the Libyan people with me and I'm prepared to die. And they are prepared to die for me. Men, women and even children."
UN Unanimously Approves Sanctions On Libya, Gadhafi
After hours of negotiations, the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to approve sanctions against Libya's government and its leader Moammer Gadhafi yesterday. CBS News reports the sanctions include "an arms embargo on Libya, freezes financial assets of family and inner circle, mandates inspections of Libyan vessels, and refers the case of apparent government sanctioned attacks against unarmed civilians to the International Criminal Court."
Gadhafi Blames bin Laden, Hallucinogens In Nescafe For Revolts
There are some rumors out there that Libyan strongman Moammer Gadhafi has been shot. Reuters reports, "A U.S. official said the U.S. government has no reason to believe that the Libyan leader is dead. However, the rumor swept through oil markets and sent prices tumbling more than $2 a barrel in late Thursday trade." On the other hand, Gadhafi has been blaming Osama bin Laden and hallucinogenic pills mixed with Nescafe for his country's tumult.
Gadhafi Won't Resign, Calls Libyan Protesters "Cockroaches"
Amid violent protests against the government, Libyan strongman Moammer Gadhafi defiantly said yesterday he would not resign, "I will die a martyr at the end." Gadhafi also said the protests were "serving the devil," told his supporters to attack the "cockroaches... greasy rats and cats" protesting against him, and promised to "cleanse Libya house by house." During his speech, he tried to rally his followers, "Come out of your homes, attack them in their dens. Withdraw your children from the streets. They are drugging your children, they are making your children drunk and sending them to hell." But his Interior Minister resigned last night because of Gadhafi's brutal tactics.
Libyan Mission to U.N. Wants Gadhafi to Resign
As violence continues to escalate in Libya, with protesters revolting against the government and the government allegedly using "aviation assets" to fire on them, the NY Times reports, "Members of Libya’s mission to the United Nations publicly repudiated Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi on Monday, calling him a genocidal war criminal responsible for mass shootings of demonstrators protesting against his four decades in power. They called upon him to resign."
PayPal Stops Donations To WikiLeaks
WikiLeaks received another blow today, this time in the form of PayPal suspending all donations to the underground site which released 250,000 diplomatic cables, prompting some politicians to call it a terrorist organization and accuse it of sabotaging peaceful relationships with countries. PayPal said, "PayPal has permanently restricted the account used by WikiLeaks due to a violation of the PayPal Acceptable Use Policy, which states that our payment service cannot be used for any activities that encourage, promote, facilitate or instruct others to engage in illegal activity. We’ve notified the account holder of this action."
Trump Claims That He Fired Gadhafi's Tent
Bedford's Libyan leader camping problem is over: Donald Trump—well, his company, the Trump Organization—said, "We have requested that the tenant occupying the property in Bedford, New York, remove the tent that was erected. They have complied with this request." Which meant that Moammer Gadhafi, heading to to the 'burbs after his wild United Nations speech had to turn back to NYC.
Gadhafi In The United Nations House, Maybe In The Bedford Tent
Libyan leader Moammer Gadhafi is expected to speak to the United Nations today, but yesterday he caused a big stir when reports said a large Bedouin tent was being set up on the grounds of a Bedford, NY estate owned by Donald Trump. After initially denying reports, the Trump Organization now admits, "We have business partners and associates all over the world. The property was leased on a short-term basis to Middle Eastern partners who may or may not have a relationship with Mr. [Gadhafi]," sort of allowing it to say it didn't directly rent to Gadhafi.
Gadhafi To Stay With Trump?
The tabloid circus surrounding Moammer Gadhafi's first visit to American soil goes on and on and on. Now the Huffington Post claims that Gadhafi is planning to pitch his tent at the Westchester estate of Donald Trump. We have to admit we find this a bit astonishing, but times are tough for real estate moguls. A Trump spokesperson called this "absolutely false," but then qualifed, "He is not there to my knowledge." The Huffpost claimed that the deal might get scrapped if there was "bad publicity." Uh-oh.
Tabloids Duel For Best Gadhafi Stories
The Daily News tells us that the red carpet laid out for Moammer Gadhafi's welcome at the Libyan Mission was peed on by a "politically incorrect pooch," calling the act a "stream of consciousness protest."
Conditions Still Not Right for Obama, Ahmadinejad
Despite a prominent and controversial platform plank which promised dialogue with all the world's states, President Obama will not meet Mahmoud Ahmadinejad when both arrive in New York City for the U.N. General Assembly. Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. was quoted by the Hill as saying, "With respect to the Iranian leader, I don't think there's much likelihood that there will be an interaction. There's no obvious venue in which that would occur, and certainly we have no meetings or anything of the sort planned." Certainly a precondition for any meeting is a venue, and that might be hard to find in New York, especially now that they can't meet at the Helmsley Hotel.
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