Two reports from Fides, the Vatican News Agency, on the situation in Libya

These are short reports, so I'll print them in full:

AFRICA/LIBYA - "The hours of the attack on Bab al Aziziya were terrible," say local sources of Fides

Tripoli (Agenzia Fides) - "People are venturing timidly in the streets which are patrolled by the men of the rebellion. There is lack of food, and fuel", say local sources in Tripoli to Fides, where the combined forces of the National Transitional Council (NTC) in Benghazi and the local Berber tribes (probably supported by men of the special forces of NATO Countries and by some Arab States, as reported by the Debka site) led the assault on Bab al Aziziya compound, Gaddafi's residence, under the protective umbrella of the air raid.

"The moments of the assault on Bab al Aziziya compound were terrible. NATO warplanes heavily bombed the compound for several hours", say our sources."After the NTC captured the Libyan radio-television, its emission ceased. We receive Arab satellite and NTC broadcasts, but after Gaddafi’s proclamation transmitted two days ago, when radio and television stations were still in his hands, we have no longer heard his voice" add the sources of Fides.

"The situation is not stable yet. We hear gunshots and even NATO warplanes continue to fly over the city even if the bombings appear to have ceased, at least in the area where we are", concludes our source. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 24/08/2011)

AFRICA/LIBYA - Heavy fighting in Tripoli. The Franciscan monks barricaded in the convent

Tripoli (Agenzia Fides) - "Currently there are 3 Franciscan friars barricaded in the convent in Tripoli. No one dares to walk in the street because people are shot on sight, even if it is not clear who shoots who. Of course it is dangerous for civilians to leave the house" this is what is referred to Fides by sources of the Church who spoke over the phone late yesterday evening with the small Catholic community in Tripoli, still shocked by the fighting between the forces of Gaddafi's regime and those of the Transitional Authority.

"Currently, the phone lines are cut and one cannot contact the monks" continue the sources of Fides. "From the latest communications we were told that on the night between 21 and 22 August there were shootings outside the convent".The situation of the Catholic community in Benghazi seems to be better and calmer, which continues to regularly carry out its pastoral activities. "There have not been particular difficulties encountered in the pastoral ministry with the new authorities. Only in March-April there were problems concerning public order but now the transition authorities have gradually taken over the situation", refer the sources to Fides.

According to the news agency there are ongoing heavy fighting in Tripoli around the fortified area of Bab al-Azizy, Gadhafi's residence. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/08/2011)

Photo: Bob Strong/Reuters; Libyan rebel fighter takes up position during an attack by pro-Gaddafi forces after opposition seized an officer training centre in Tripoli.