Photos: Libyan rebels storm Gaddafi compound, fighting not over
Libyan rebels celebrate at Bab Al-Aziziya compound in Tripoli August 23, 2011. Joyful Libyan rebels overran Muammar Gaddafi’s Tripoli bastion on Tuesday, seizing weapons and loot and destroying symbols of a 42-year dictatorship.
The rebel breach of Muammar Gaddafi's compound, in the heart of the Libyan capital of Tripoli, heralded what many believed the end of his 42-year rule.
In scenes reminiscent of the defilement of Saddam Hussein statue by Iraqis — aided by American forces — Libyan rebels rushed to destroy statues of Gaddafi and of the famous fist crushing a U.S. fighter plane. Inside Gaddafi's compound, rebels looted weapons, ammo, and spoils of their victory. A number of men were seen carrying gold-plated AK-47s from the premises.
While it seems that the Gaddafi regime has all but collapsed, fighting continues and the whereabouts of Gaddafi and his sons are still unknown.
Now that the battle is almost won, the most important question is being raised. What does the future hold for Libya?
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