Gadhafi inner circle members flee to Niger

Members of Moammar Gadhafi’s inner circle fled into neighbouring Niger in multiple convoys Tuesday, potentially signalling a shift in power as opposition forces struggle to close the last loyal holdouts of the Libyan leader’s supporters.

The National Transitional Council _ now the country’s de facto rulers _ claimed the convoys were a major flight by Gadhafi’s most hardcore backers from his final strongholds.

The claims could not immediately be confirmed.

Few details were available about the convoys as they made their way across the Sahara.

But a customs official confirmed Tuesday that the first group of a dozen vehicles pulling into Niger’s capital Niamey included Mansour Dao, Gadhafi’s security chief and a key member of his inner circle, as well as a dozen other Gadhafi regime officials.

Harouna Ide also told The Associated Press that other Libyan convoys had passed through Agadez, a town about halfway between Niger’s border with Libya and its capital in the far southwest.

Niger’s foreign minister Bazoum Mohamed said Gadhafi was not in the convoys, according to Al-Arabiya television.

A significant flight by Gadhafi’s senior regime figures could bring an important shift as the opposition forces that swept into Tripoli on Aug. 21 struggle to shut down the last holdouts of his supporters.

Three major cities still remain under Gadhafi’s sway _ Bani Walid, Sirte and Sabha.

The NTC has been negotiating with tribal leaders in Bani Walid to try to arrange a peaceful entry of its forces into the city, but talks have gone no where.

With files from The Associated Press

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