Former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has died, today 20 October 2011 from multiple wounds suffered during the ongoing battle in Libya.
According to the Mail & Guardian, he was captured at dawn Thursday while fleeing in a convoy which Nato warplanes attacked. A Libyan government fighter told Reuters that Gaddafi was found fleeing from where he was “hiding in a hole” in Sirte, shouting “Don’t shoot, don’t shoot.”
He was initially wounded and captured and later died of those wounds, according to Reuters.
The Libyan revolt commenced about 8 month ago when rebel leaders declared war to oust the then Libyan leader. According to Reuters, Gaddaffi died near Sirte and his death was announced by several officials of the National Transitional Council (NTC). Gaddaffi’s death photograph is circulating prominent social media networks including Facebook and Twitter.
Currently there are ongoing global news reports relating to his death and continuous image updates from active social media enthusiasts . Some are speculating on what his death might mean for Libya and the international community.
Twitter buzz
@rimamaktabi Tweets: “Do u think #arab leaders r watching #gaddafi’s death on TV? What’s on their minds! I wonder…”
@litterag: “We shouldn’t celebrate a death, so celebrate Libya’s potential new freedom and mourn a life that was wasted in narcissism and hate. #Gaddafi”
@angolanmade: “#RIP Muammar #Gaddafi – More reason to value Fidel Castro now! Long live the revolutionaries.”
About an hour ago, CNN African Anchor Isha Sesay tweeted that the global news network is “still working to confirm the reports that Gadhafi is dead”
IshaSesayCNN Isha Sesay: “CNN still working to confirm reports that #Gadhafi is dead”.
@BBCNews- US official says Libya’s new government has told US that Col #Gaddafi is dead – AP
Bontle Moeng – ITNewsAfrica Online Editor
