Libyan regime struggles to contain deadly turmoil

DEEP cracks opened up in Muammar Gaddafi’s regime after more than 40 years in power, with diplomats abroad and the justice minister at home resigning, air force pilots defecting and a fire raging at the main government hall after clashes in the capital Tripoli.

Protesters had called for another night of defiance in Tripoli’s main square despite the government’s heavy crackdown.

There were rumours that Gaddafi had fled to Venezuela but no confirmation and a denial from that country’s government.