LIBYA: Loud explosions heard in capital.
At least seven loud blasts were heard in Tripoli early this morning as bombs fell in the vicinity of Moammar Gadhafi’s main compound of Bab al-Aziziya. NATO jets were heard circling the sky above. NATO has been bombarding military targets in Libya since a no-fly zone was instituted in March.
Meanwhile, families fleeing their homes to avoid a possible rebel assault on the Libyan capital described deteriorating living conditions: power outages lasting days, gun battles at night and a climate of fear in which no one dares to criticize the regime — even among friends.
EGYPT: Military council drops charges against two activists.
Egypt’s ruling military council, which has been widely criticized for subjecting protesters to military tribunals, dropped charges Thursday against two activists who criticized its generals through social networking sites.
The council said it excused both Asmaa Mahfouz and Louie Nagati because the two were “in a revolutionary condition which had an impact on their performance in public and political arenas,” according to a statement posted on the council’s Facebook page. Mahfouz was charged with slander and inciting violence based on Facebook and Twitter postings. Nagati was arrested after the June 28 protests.
JORDAN: Syria urged to end violence.
Jordan is “angered” and “extremely worried” by the killing of civilians in Syria, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said Thursday, urging his northern neighbor to negotiate an end to the violence. Jordan is concerned that violence in Syria could spill over the border, undermining its security.
BAHRAIN: Tear gas fired at protesters.
Bahraini security forces fired tear gas against bands of anti-government demonstrators across the tense gulf island kingdom. Small- scale clashes have become a near nightly event between police and mostly Shiite demonstrators demanding greater rights.
The street skirmishes Thursday appeared bigger and more widespread after calls on social media for stronger protest gatherings.
Denver Post wire services
