Reports of an explosion in the Benghazi the capital of the rebel held Libya. The Tibesti Hotel is used buy the majority of journalists and the international community in Benghazi to cover the ongoing war in against the rebels and Col. Gaddafi.
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Photo taken just after the car bomb explosion via @calperryAJ |
The explosion was caused by a two car bombs and it is unclear at this stage who is responsible for this attack however initial suspicions will be that Col. Gaddafi regime in Tripoli in behind the attack.
Rebel spokesman Jalal al Gallal stated that there have been no injuries or loss of life due to the bomb.
Authorities are at the scene and assessing the explosive devices for any information that could track down the people or group responsible.
In a defiant message to what is being seen in Benghazi as a terrorist act by Col. Gaddafi a large crowd have gathered around the exploded cars to shouting ‘’Libya is Free’’ in Arabic.
Libyan State TV are currently using Al-Jazeera footage of the explosion and are stating that rebel held areas are unsafe to undermined the Transitional National Government (rebels). This event is being seen by some commentators as a desperate act by the Gaddafi controlled government in Tripoli and that he will soon leave Libya as Gaddafi further alienates his administration.
Security at the Tibesti Hotel has been stepped up following this attack and more than likely see a heightened security environment throughout rebel held eastern Libya as they prepare for more terrorist style attacks.
Explosion come as United Nations panels announces that both the Libyan government and the rebel forces have committed "some acts which would constitute war crimes."
The report was commissioned by the UN using experts to interview 350 people throughout Libya on both sides of the conflict.
Although a cruel act of terrorism, the people of Benghazi seemed to be strengthened by this event that Gaddafi hold on power is weakening and that they are ever closer to victory.
