August 22, 2011

muhammad-gaddafi-libyaRebel forces stormed Tripoli, and it now seems like they are on their way to take full control of the capital. While the conflict is not officially over and Muammar Gaddafi remains at large, two of Gaddafi’s sons are in the custody of the National Transitional Council (NTC).

Gaddafi’s eldest son, Muhammad Gaddafi, spoke to Al-Jazeera over the telephone early on Monday morning. Al Jazeera English broadcasted a translated excerpt from the interview done by its Arabic sister channel. In the excerpt, Muhammad says he is under house arrest as rebel forces have surrounded his house. He also says he has been treated well. But then while talking about the conflict and his sadness over all the killing of Muslims by Muslims, gunfire erupts. He describes the scene, concern rising in his voice. Firing has started, he says. “They’re inside my house.” The gunshots continue. And then the phone goes dead.

Al-Jazeera later reported that it received confirmation from the NTC that Muhammad had not been hurt. However, the fluid situation, uncontrolled emotions and lack of law and order witnessed there are all elements that will keep everything very unstable in Tripoli in the coming days.

Click play to listen to Muhammad Gaddafi speak to Al Jazeera as firing commences in the background.