Context
Muammar Qaddafi was killed in the midst of a fierce fighting between the National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters and Qaddafi loyalists in Sirte. The acting president of the council, Mahmoud Jibril made the announcement of the leader’s death on Thursday in Tripoli. The circumstances of his death are still unclear, as videos show the former ruler being captured alive. Abdul Hakim Belhaj, an NTC military chief told reporters that Qaddafi had died of his wounds in captivity.
News of the deaths of close aides to Gadaffi has also emerged. The colonel’s son Mutassim, has been confirmed dead by the Libyan Information Minister, Mahmoud Shammam. The former leaders other son, Saif ul Islam is reported to have been captured while escaping.
Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general stated that Gaddafi’s death commenced “a historic transition for Libya”.
