"Fierce clashes broke out between Gaddafi's forces and Warfalla members in Baniwalid, and at least 11 people died, including the brother of a conference delegate," the source said.
Strategic importance
Baniwalid is said to hold a position of vital strategic importance, and was thus being aggressively targeted by Gaddafi, who has focused his security forces there to instill fear.
"Warfalla is the largest tribe - over one-sixth of the total population of Libya, numbering more than a million members," our correspondent said.
"They are a tribe whose loyalty has been vigorously, and perhaps violently, sought after by Gaddafi and his forces. He has threatened, bribed, jailed and now attacked them."
Our correspondent said the attacks occurred because Gaddafi and his supporters did not want to see this meeting "happen in Turkey where people can speak freely".
"Fierce clashes broke out between Gaddafi's forces and Warfalla members in Baniwalid, and at least 11 people died, including the brother of a conference delegate," the source said.
ReplyDeleteStrategic importance
Baniwalid is said to hold a position of vital strategic importance, and was thus being aggressively targeted by Gaddafi, who has focused his security forces there to instill fear.
"Warfalla is the largest tribe - over one-sixth of the total population of Libya, numbering more than a million members," our correspondent said.
"They are a tribe whose loyalty has been vigorously, and perhaps violently, sought after by Gaddafi and his forces. He has threatened, bribed, jailed and now attacked them."
Our correspondent said the attacks occurred because Gaddafi and his supporters did not want to see this meeting "happen in Turkey where people can speak freely".