Libyan regime 'arming civilians'

Embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is arming civilian supporters in order to quash dissent in Tripoli with checkpoints and roving patrols, the capital’s residents claimed today.

The reports came a day after protesters demanding Colonel Gaddafi’s removal were fired upon by pro-regime militiamen to stop the first significant anti-government marches in days in the city.