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A bulldozer has destroyed the house of Gaddafi inside the Bab al-Aziziya compound [EPA]

Libya Live Blog

Libya - Aug 31, 2011 - 11:31

Last modified: 31 Aug 2011 08:31

Tens of thousands of Libyans gathered Wednesday to mark the Muslim Eid al-Fitr feast, kneeling in prayer at the landmark Martyrs' Square as they rejoiced in the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi's rule.

At dawn, men, women and children began to pour into the Tripoli square - which had been dubbed "Green Square" by strongman Gaddafi - decked out in their holiday best, as women ululated in triumph and spontaneous cries of joy erupted.

"This is the best holiday of my life," said Adel Masmoudi, who at 41 was born the year Gaddafi seized power.

An imam leading the dawn prayer at the square urged all Libyans to stand united and hailed the ouster of "the tyrant Gaddafi", prompting jeers from the crowd at the mention of the former leader's name.

Rebel forces had set up a security belt around the square, as armed guards patrolled the area and shooters took position on rooftops overlooking the gathering which ended peacefully later in the morning. - AFP