Gunfire erupts in Libyan capital as Americans finally escape

Gunfire erupts in Libyan capital as Americans finally escape.GOVERNMENT forces have opened fireon protesters in Libyan capital Tripoli, as the uprising against Moamar Ghadafi that already caused his regime to lose control of swaths of the country appeared to reach his stronghold.

A US-chartered ship with 300 passengers aboard finally left the violence-torn North African country, the State Department said, after being stuck in port for two days due to rough seas.

Tens of thousands of Libyans massed for Friday prayers in eastern cities liberated from Ghadafi's rule, and international calls for action came thick and fast.

A British resident in Tripoli told Sky News that protesters were clashing with government forces at roadblocks that were set up around the city in the past 12 hours.

A witness told AFP that security forces 'fired indiscriminately on the demonstrators' who gathered in an eastern suburb after Friday prayers, leaving a number of people dead. Residents of other eastern suburbs said they witnessed 'sustained gunfire against anyone in the streets.'



Libya's third city, Misurata, just 160kms east of the capital, was deserted by regime loyalists Friday, a resident said, although deadly clashes were still raging at a nearby air base."