Violence in Libya After Nod to Rebel Leaders

"Trample on those recognitions, trample on them under your feet," Gaddafi told supporters. "They are worthless."

Insurgents pushed towards Tripoli on Saturday as heavy clashes erupted between rebels and Gaddafi loyalists. Libya's Western mountain region saw sustained gunfire and violence following a recognition of rebel forces at a conference Friday in Istanbul. The United States and other Western nations recognized Libya's rebel National Transitional Council as the legitimate governing authority in the region, in a move that could unlock billions of dollars in frozen Libyan funds. Conference attendees also agreed to increase military pressure on the North African dictator. According to Reuters, Gaddafi was (shockingly) displeased with the recognition, and announced on Friday that he "enjoyed the support of millions of Libyans who yearned for death, martyrdom and suicide."

Image courtesy of Reuters.