Defiant Gaddafi denies leaving Libya

In an audio message broadcast today on loyalist Al-Rai TV, a voice purportedly of Muammar Gadaffi has denounced reports that he had fled to neighbouring Niger and claims he is still in Libya.

Gaddafi also hits out at former rebels who ousted him from power as "a bunch of mercenaries, thugs and traitors" and claims "we are ready to start the fight in Tripoli and everywhere else, and rise against them".