Al-Qaeda behind anti-government movement: Gaddafi

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Al-Qaeda behind anti-government movement: Gaddafi

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Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi blames Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden for stirring descent in Libya. On the other side the opposition has now taken control of Misurata after Benghazi and Tobruk.

25 February,2011 05:52 am

Amid reports that fierce fighting continues across Libya, Muammar Gaddafi took to the airwaves, calling in to State TV to blame Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden for stirring descent throughout the country. In his address he said that Osama Bin Laden is the enemy who is manipulating people, so do not be swayed by him. He also said that Pakistan and Afghanistan are sensible nations who are fighting against them. After controlling Benghazi and Tobruk, the opposition also managed to take control of Misurata. Now the opposition is moving towards the capital of Libya. In Misrata, which opponents of Gaddafi said they had taken on Wednesday, residents said loyalists and foreign mercenaries launched a counter-attack on Thursday but had been contained. Meanwhile forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi launched a fierce counter-attack, fighting gun battles with rebels who have threatened the Libyan leader by seizing important towns close to the capital. Many dozens of protestors were also killed in these clashes.Interior Minister of Libya Abdel Fatah Yunes has also resigned to the dictatorship and has demanded the army to support opposition.