TRIPOLI, Libya – The embattled regime of Moammar Gadhafi is arming civilian
to set up checkpoints and roving patrols around the Libyan capital to
control movement and quash dissent, residents said Saturday.
The reports came a day after protesters demanding Gadhafi's ouster came
under heavy gunfire by pro-regime militiamen trying to stop the first
significant anti-government marches in days in Tripoli.
Gadhafi, speaking from the ramparts of a historic Tripoli fort on Friday,
told supporters to prepare to defend the nation as he faced the biggest
challenge to his 42-year rule. "At the suitable time, we will open the arms
depot so all Libyans and tribes become armed, so that Libya becomes red with
fire," he said.