Libya Fractures As Anti-Gadhafi Forces Seize Major Cities

Opposition groups have taken over the entire eastern half of the country's coastline.

Moammar Gadhafi no longer controls eastern Libya, and unconfirmed reports indicate opposition forces have now seized the western city of Misurata. Witnesses say residents there were honking horns and waving pre-Gadhafi Libyan flags, and if true, it would be the first sign that Gadhafi is losing control of the country’s western half. Gunfire in the capital Tripoli reportedly remains intense, with Gadhafi loyalists apparently responding to the embattled autocrat’s speech Tuesday calling for his supporters to attack anti-government protesters “in their lairs.” At least 1,000 people are believed to have died since demonstrations against his regime broke out, and ominously the 68-year-old leader seems determined to stoke more violence, vowing Tuesday to fight to his “last drop of blood.”