Libya conflict: Troop convoy crosses border into Niger

Gerald · 09-06-11, 03:23 AM

An armed convoy of vehicles from Libya has crossed into Niger, reports say.

The convoy - believed to be carrying mainly Tuareg fighters recruited by fugitive Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi to fight for his regime - rolled into the town of Agadez.

It is not clear whether any of the Gaddafi family were in the convoy. His spokesman said he was still in Libya.

Col Gaddafi has vowed to fight to the death, even though he has lost control of most of the country.

'In high spirits'

The armed convoy crossed the Niger border and arrived in Agadez late on Monday, military sources from France and Niger told Reuters news agency.

They said the convoy was made up of between 200 and 250 vehicles and was given an escort by the army of Niger.

However, a local resident was quoted by the Associated Press news agency as saying that convoy consisted of more than a dozen trucks carrying well-armed Libyan troops.

He added that the Libyans were also accompanied by well-armed Tuareg tribal fighters.

The claims by both the military sources and the Niger resident have not been independently verified.

The BBC's Kevin Connolly, in the Libyan capital Tripoli, says there is speculation that the convoy could be carrying members of Col Gaddafi's entourage, as the desert route is the likeliest way for them to escape troops belonging to the anti-Gaddafi transitional authorities.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14799075

Note: 6 September 2011 Last updated at 08:02 GMT

09-06-11, 03:23 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Libya conflict: Troop convoy crosses border into Niger An armed convoy of vehicles from Libya has crossed into Niger, reports say. The convoy - believed to be carrying mainly Tuareg fighters recruited by fugitive Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi to fight for his regime - rolled into the town of Agadez. It is not clear whether any of the Gaddafi family were in the convoy. His spokesman said he was still in Libya. Col Gaddafi has vowed to fight to the death, even though he has lost control of most of the country. 'In high spirits' The armed convoy crossed the Niger border and arrived in Agadez late on Monday, military sources from France and Niger told Reuters news agency. They said the convoy was made up of between 200 and 250 vehicles and was given an escort by the army of Niger. However, a local resident was quoted by the Associated Press news agency as saying that convoy consisted of more than a dozen trucks carrying well-armed Libyan troops. He added that the Libyans were also accompanied by well-armed Tuareg tribal fighters. The claims by both the military sources and the Niger resident have not been independently verified. The BBC's Kevin Connolly, in the Libyan capital Tripoli, says there is speculation that the convoy could be carrying members of Col Gaddafi's entourage, as the desert route is the likeliest way for them to escape troops belonging to the anti-Gaddafi transitional authorities. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14799075 Note: 6 September 2011 Last updated at 08:02 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie