Libya: Gaddafi Increasing Reliance on Mercenaries

Libya: Gaddafi Increasing Reliance on Mercenaries: "The defections of Libyan soldiers and politicians have multiplied since the popular uprising against the Gaddafi clan, leaving the thousands of foreign mercenaries as the last bulwark against the fall of the regime.

To quell the insurgency and protect his last strongholds and fortresses that are still not under the control of insurgents, Colonel Gaddafi has been making increasing use of mercenaries recruited from the ranks of the nomads Tuareg from Niger, Mali and Algeria that have lived since the '80s in the South Libyan towns of Sebha and Oubari.

However, since they are poorly trained in handling weapons, Colonel Gaddafi spoke directly to Muhammad Abdelaziz, leader of the Western Sahara Separatist Group, the Polisario Front. Mr. Abdelaziz who owes a big debt to Gaddafi for helping him, financially and logistically, since the mid-70s by providing equipment for an entire army, could deny such an appeal for help."

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