Tripoli: Muammar Gaddafi was quoted on Thursday as warning that tribes loyal to him in key strongholds are armed and won't surrender to Libyan rebels, a blow to opposition hopes of a peaceful surrender of the ousted leader's hometown of Sirte.
The Syrian-based Al-Rai TV, which has previously broadcast several audio statements by Gaddafi and his sons, comes as the rebels who have seized control of most of the country extended by a week a deadline for the surrender of
Sirte, originally set for Saturday.
Rebels have been hunting for the Libyan leader since he was forced into hiding after they swept into Tripoli on August 20 and gained control of most of the capital after days of fierce fighting.
Gaddafi's voice was not heard, but Al-Rai reported he would issue a statement in which he vows "we won't surrender again; we are not women; we will keep fighting."
Rebel forces, backed by NATO airstrikes, have been advancing toward three regime strongholds: Sirte; the town of Bani Walid, 90 miles (140 kilometers) southeast of Tripoli; and Sabha, in the southern desert.
All three places had been given a deadline of Saturday to surrender. While the deadline extension was officially only for Sirte, rebels said it would also include Bani Walid and Sabha.
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