Hundreds of Algerian nationals flee Libya chaos
For these incoming Algerian expatriates, freshly arrived at Houari Boumedienne International Airport in Algiers after fleeing the raging chaos of Libya, home is where the heart is…and where brutal and blood-thirsty Gaddafi's not. Upon their safe but arduous return home, they grievously spoke of appaling scenes of slaughter perpetrated against defenceless civilians in several Libyan cities by the savage henchmen of the beleaguered Gaddafi regime.
- About 260 Algerian citizens arrived on a flight from Tripoli, the Libyan capital, as unrest against the four decades of authoritarian rule of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi raged across the country. Gunfire was reported in Tripoli Wednesday, as anti-government demonstrators clashed with loyalists of embattled Gaddafi, who’s been in power since 1969. Reports put the death toll from the savage Libyan government crackdown against the pro-democracy protesters at more than 1,000.
- Scores of other Algerians fleeing the chaotic situation in Libya crossed through the Bouchbika border crossing and were warmly welcomed on the Algerian side of the border near the city of Tebessa where all the amenities were made available for them on the occasion. On Monday, several foreign embassies in Tripoli ordered all non-essential personnel and family to leave the strife-torn country as swiftly as possible.
- In a related development, Algeria has also opened its borders and is allowing the transiting of foreigners fleeing troubled Libya, said Interior Minister Daho Ould Kablia in a statement to the press. ”Foreigners who cannot leave Libya on a flight can come to the Algerian borders. They are authorized to transit from Algeria to their home countries, he stressed.”