Deposed Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi has released an audio message in which he denies having fled to nearby Niger.
In the message, aired on Damascus based Al-Rai, TV Gaddafi referred to the rebels who ended his 42 year rule as “germs rats and scumbags” as he attempted to rally support for his now defunct regime.
“We are ready to start the fight in Tripoli and everywhere else, and rise up against them,” Gaddafi said. “All of these germs, rats and scumbags, they are not Libyans, ask anyone. They have co-operated with Nato.”
He then ranted: “Gaddafi won’t leave the land of his ancestors.”
The authenticity of the recording is yet to be verified but its rhetoric chimes with the despot’s previous missives.
The audio message follows the news that Gaddafi loyalists, including the regime’s security chief, escaped into neighbouring Niger earlier this week.
Gaddafi’s whereabouts have been unknown since he fled Tripoli after the rebels swept to power there in August.
Despite Gaddafi’s disappearance and the collapse of his regime the cities of Bani Walid, Sabha and Sirte continue to hold out against rebel forces.
The rebels are currently massed outside Bani Walid and are expected to attack if the town does not surrender by Saturday.
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