Gaddafi son finds safe haven in Niger

Colonel Gaddafi's son Al-Saadi was set to be granted refugee status in neighbouring Niger today after fleeing Libya as troops close in on his father.

A convoy carrying Al-Saadi and nine others crossed the desert border yesterday as battles raged in Bani Walid with Nato stepping up airstrikes in an attempt to capture Gaddafi.

Although Al-Saadi was not given refugee status immediately, Niger's justice minister, Marou Amadou, is expected to grant it on a humanitarian basis when he arrives in the capital Niamey today.

Interpol has issued a global alert over the 38-year-old, who became commander of a Libyan special forces unit. UN sanctions ban him from international travel.

Before becoming an army chief Al-Saadi was a professional footballer, playing for the top two Tripoli clubs and captaining his national side. The forward moved to Italian clubs Perugia, Sampdoria and Udinese, but made no significant impact on the first teams.

Since last week, several convoys carrying senior officials of the former Libyan regime, as well as civilians and soldiers, have made their way into Niger. Among those fleeing were several of Gaddafi's top military officers, including his chief of security and the head of his southern command.

Niger faces increasing scrutiny for allowing in former regime members, and Al-Saadi's arrival will intensify international pressure on the country to co-operate with Libya's National Transitional Council. The new rulers want all Gaddafi's sons, and the former leader, to be turned in for trial.

Today the US repeated its request that Niger detain individuals who may be subject to prosecution in Libya, confiscate weapons, and impound state property, such as money or jewels, taken from the country illegally.

As Libya's new leaders move to exert their authority in Tripoli, forces loyal to Gaddafi continue to hold out in three strongholds - Sirte on the Mediterranean coast, Sabha in the southern desert, and Bani Walid south-east of Tripoli.

Revolutionary forces battled their way into Bani Walid yesterday, seizing control of the northern half of the town, after a week of efforts to negotiate a peaceful surrender. But regrouped Gaddafi supporters have put up fierce resistance.