Gadhafi warns of Libya bloodshed if US intervenes

[March 02, 2011]  TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) -- Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has warned "thousands of Libyans" will die if the U.S. or NATO intervene in his country.

Gadhafi was addressing supporters and foreign media on Wednesday in a conference hall in the capital Tripoli as his forces were launching a counteroffensive against parts of the rebel-held eastern half of the country.

The U.S. is moving naval and air forces closer to Libyan shores and is calling for Gadhafi to give up power immediately.

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THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
AP's earlier story is below.

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TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) -- Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has vowed to fight to the "last man and last woman" to defend his country.

Gadhafi was addressing supporters and foreign media on Wednesday in a conference hall in the capital Tripoli as his forces were launching a counteroffensive against parts of the rebel-held eastern half of the country.

"We will fight until the last man and woman. We will defend Libya from the north to the south," he said.

[Associated Press; By PAUL SCHEMM and MAGGIE MICHAEL]

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