Estimates of the death toll in the Libyan government’s assault on a pro-democracy uprising have reached as high as 1,000. After losing control of several eastern cities, Libyan forces have launched a sustained assault in western parts of the country including the capital, Tripoli. Libyan troops are attacking protesters with the reported help of mercenaries flown in from foreign countries. In a rambling speech aired on state television, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi vowed to fight to his “last drop of blood” rather than leave the country.

Muammar Gaddafi: “Muammar Gaddafi is not occupying a position to resign from the same way other presidents did. Gaddafi is not a president; he is a leader of a revolution.”