Libyan army defects to opposition
The situation remains strained in Libya after Sunday clashes between opposition and pro-government forces.
Libya's second largest city, Benghazi, fell Sunday after a crack army unit defected to the opposition and clashes spread to the capital, Tripoli. The uprising against Moammar Gadhafi appeared to threaten the Middle East's longest-ruling dictator's 42-year grip on power
According to different sources, the death toll is above 200. Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam, said in his lengthy speech on state-run television that the death toll was lower than reported in order to prevent a new wave of protests.
At least 233 people have died and hundreds have been injured in Benghazi alone since the uprising erupted Wednesday, said the New York-based Human Rights Watch, quoting unidentified hospital sources.
Gaddafi's son warned that civil war could hit the country if the opposition continued anti-government protest. He appealed for calm, promising to institute democratic reforms and urged that the sides start a dialogue.
No information is available about President Gaddafi's whereabouts. According to some sources, Gaddafi has fled to Venezuela and the Libyan army has already come over to the side of the opposition.
Foreign countries have called their citizens to leave Libya.
