Audio By Carbonatix
Colonel Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam has been captured, officials from Libya's interim government have said.
He was arrested near the town of Obari in the south of the country, the officials said.
The former leader's son is the last key member of the Gaddafi family to be captured or killed.
Saif al-Islam, 39, is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity during the uprising against his father.
The National Transitional Council's (NTC) justice minister Mohammed al-Allagui said Saif al-Islam had been detained along with a number of bodyguards, Reuters news agency reported.
Officials said Saif al-Islam was being taken to Zintan in the north of the country.
Gaddafi's son was in good health, the justice minister is reported to have said.
A commander of the Zintan brigades, allied to the NTC, told a news conference that Saif al-Islam was captured as aides were trying to smuggle him out to neighbouring Niger, the Associated Press news agency reported.
Saif al-Islam had been on the run since NTC forces took the capital, Tripoli, in August.
Colonel Gaddafi himself was killed on October 20 after being captured during the final battle for his hometown, Sirte.
The interim government in Libya has launched an inquiry into how he died.
Celebrations
The BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli says Saif al-Islam's capture is a very significant moment for Libyans.
They came to see Saif al-Islam as the heir apparent, as a younger version of his father due to his rhetoric during the uprising, she says.
However, at one time he was considered one of the more liberal of Col Gaddafi's sons and was courted in the West.
Celebrations erupted on the streets of Tripoli shortly after the news of his arrest emerged.
Our correspondent heard people hooting car horns, waving flags and firing guns into the air.
Saif al-Islam has been reported captured before. In August, rebel forces announced his arrest as they took control of Tripoli - only for him to appear in front of cameras to disprove it.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Global Africa Summit Accra 2025 rallies investors, diaspora and policymakers to boost trade and growth
31 seconds -
New research suggests a better way to fight littering in Ghana
1 minute -
We must protect our own – Adutwum spokesperson calls for Ashanti solidarity
24 minutes -
FDA shuts down 7 Foreign shops in Kumasi over unapproved, foreign-labelled products
32 minutes -
13 arrested as Central East Police crack down on crime in Senya Beraku enclave
38 minutes -
Kumasi residents raise alarm over poor street lighting ahead of Christmas
1 hour -
Police swoop in Kintampo nabs 13 in drug bust, seizes cannabis and tramadol
1 hour -
Activist urges stronger border security, environmental protection, and accountability
1 hour -
Let’s be more intentional about our unity than they were about our division – Mahama to diaspora
2 hours -
Former Jasikan MCE quits as Bryan Acheampong’s coordinator; declares support for Bawumia
2 hours -
2025 Diaspora Summit: Ablakwa calls for concrete action on reparations
2 hours -
Police crack down on drug trafficking in Tamale, arrest 4 and seize illicit substances
2 hours -
Egg-citing deals as The Multimedia Group’s X’mas Egg Market sells out on Day 1, returns tomorrow
3 hours -
NPP Primaries: Electoral Area Coordinators in Yunyoo, Chereponi and Saboba declare support for Bawumia
3 hours -
Revocation of L.I. 2462 step in the right direction – Lands Ministry Spokesperson
4 hours
