Gaddafi loyalists burn key files in Sabha

Libyan officials claim that the Gaddafi elite have destroyed crucial files from the Civil and Estate in Sabha, one of the few cities that remains under Gaddafi control. National Transitional Council (NTC) media committee member, Abdel Hameed Adam, told the Quryna newspaper that Gaddafi loyalists, including mercenaries from the Justice and Equality movement, had also vandalised the Sabha International airport to prevent planes from landing. Libyan rebels have attacked wells at the South Company, which are owned by Saleh Al-Qadhafi. Some injuries were sustained among the rebels. Gaddafi followers continue to control Sabha hospital, preventing rebels from receiving treatment. NATO aircraft have also bombed a plastic factory and the public works company, which had been considered as a meeting point for the mercenaries. The National Transitional Council has started providing humanitarian aid, communications infrastructure and electricity to Sabha. At the same time, Libyan rebels have intensified weapons inspections in Sabha ahead of the expected failure of negotiations for the city’s surrender. A source from the NTC has confirmed that the rebels are preparing themselves to enter Sabha next Saturday, which is the deadline that the NTC gave Sabha’s Gaddafi loyalists. However, Abdel Hameed said that the people of Sabha city are not concerned about the NTC deadline, as they overwhelmingly support the rebels entering the city.