Scores of bodies reported on streets of Libyan capital

Forces loyal to Gaddafi shoot at ambulances, according to opposition actvist, as Tripoli residents remain in homes to prevent being fired upon.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Libya protests 311 (photo credit: Associated Press)
Libya protests 311
(photo credit: Associated Press)
CAIRO — The bodies of scores of protesters shot dead by security forces loyal to longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi littered the streets of a restive district in the Libyan capital on Tuesday, according to a Libyan opposition activist and a Tripoli resident.
Tripoli's inhabitants hunkered down in their homes after the killings and warnings by forces loyal to Gaddafi that anyone on the streets would be shot, Mohammed Ali of the Libyan Salvation Front and the local resident said.
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Ali, reached in Dubai, and the Tripoli resident said forces loyal to Gaddafi shot at ambulances and some protesters were left bleeding to death.
The resident spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Earlier Tuesday, Gaddafi appeared on state TV to attempt to show he was still in charge.
World leaders expressed outrage Monday at the "vicious forms of repression" used against the demonstrators.
Click for full Jpost coverage of turmoil in the Middle East
Click for full Jpost coverage of turmoil in the Middle East
The longest serving Arab leader appeared briefly on TV to dispel rumors that he had fled. Sitting in a car in front of what appeared to be his residence and holding an umbrella out of the passenger side door, he told an interviewer that he had wanted to go to the capital's Green Square to talk to his supporters, but the rain stopped him.
"I am here to show that I am in Tripoli and not in Venezuela. Don't believe those misleading dog stations," Gaddafi said, referring to the media reports that he had left the country. The video clip and comments lasted less than a minute — unusual for the mercurial leader, who is known for rambling speeches that often last hours.