A/HRC/17/44 Salim-related demonstration outside the Italian Embassy (these demonstrations were organized largely through social networks). The largest protest took place in Benghazi where thousands gathered in front of the courthouse, though protests were also held in a number of other towns including Al-Bayda, Tobruk, Tajurah, Tripoli, Misrata and Darnah. Security forces opened fire with live ammunition in several locations. 28. As news of these events spread, protests snowballed. Incidents of protestors being injured by Government forces were reported in Benghazi (in front of Al-Fadhil bin Omar Katiba), Ajdabiya and Al-Bayda (at the Al-Abraq airport) on 18 February, and Misrata on 19 February amongst other locations. By this point, some demonstrators were taking more “offensive” action, including taking over the Katiba premises11 and the airport in Benghazi. Large-scale protests emerged in Tripoli on 20 February, leading to both Government use of significant force and protestors attacking Government buildings. In the following days, clashes intensified in Tripoli (for instance in the Green Square area). Media reported that security forces used fighter jets and live ammunition against protestors in the capital. The authorities disputed these reports, explaining that ammunition had been dumped in remote areas away from residential areas. Active fighting was also occurring in Az-Zawiyah,12 Sabha and Sabratah. By 24 February, media reports indicated that protestors were in control of Tobruk, Benghazi, Misrata and Zuwarah.13 29. In the Government‟s response to the Commission, the Government stated its position that the use of force had been necessary to counter attacks by the crowds. There appeared to be implicit threats in the language used, for instance, in the address by Saif alIslam Qadhafi (son of Colonel Qadhafi) on Libyan National Television on 21 February that “we will fight to the last man and woman and bullet”.14 Colonel Qadhafi on Libyan National Television on 22 February announced that he would lead “millions to purge Libya inch by inch, house by house, household by household, alley by alley, and individual by individual until I purify this land”. He blamed foreigners for the problems and called the protestors “rats” who needed to be executed. 2. Phase 2 30. By late February, an armed conflict had developed between armed opposition forces and Government forces.15 The armed conflict is continuing. Not all areas of the country have experienced the direct fighting. Battles have been focused on specific cities.16 In early March, Al-Brega and Ajdabiya were the particular focus of battles, with reports of aerial 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 Al-Fadhil bin Omar Katiba. This is the major Katiba premises in Benghazi. On 24 February 2011, there were reports of an attack by Government forces against a mosque in AzZawiyah where protestors were holding a sit-in. See for instance, BBC News, “Libya protests: Gaddafi embattled by opposition gains”, 24 February 2011. Available from www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12564104. Al-Jazeera, “Gaddafi loses more Libyan cities”, 24 February 2011. Available from http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/2011223125256699145.html. Paul Schemm, “Libyan City Celebrates Freedom From Gadhafi”, 24 February 2011, Associated Press. Available from http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=12983621. See Saif al-Islam speech on Libyan State Television, where he said that “we will fight until the last men, until the last women, the last bullet” translated by Commissions‟ staff. Speech record available from www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp6DFM9_NuU&feature=related (minute 36:40). The Government also sought to allay unrest by proposing the release of 110 members of the Libyan Fighter Islamic Group. The legal significance of the development of an armed conflict is discussed in chapter II, section D, of the present report. Cities particularly affected include Ajdabiya, Al-Brega, Benghazi, Bin Jawad, Misrata, Ras Lanuf, Uqaylah and Az-Zawiyah.