Hunt for Gaddafi

With Muammar Gaddafi’s whereabouts remaining unknown, the West has deployed a “full array” of surveillance equipment to pinpoint Libyan dictator’s hideout.

With Muammar Gaddafi’s whereabouts remaining unknown, the West has deployed a “full array” of surveillance equipment to pinpoint Libyan dictator’s hideout.

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Amid reports that he could have fled to neighbouring Algeria or could be holed-up in a bunker, a large number of British and other Nato reconnaissance aircraft are now over Libya looking for the 69-year-old dictator and other regime leaders.

RAF Awacs airborne radar are believed to be tracking all civilian aircraft leaving Tripoli and elsewhere in case Gaddafi tries to flee by air.

The US has also deployed Rivet Joint spy aircraft which will be monitoring all communications by mobile or satellite phone. Intelligence sources have however admitted that Gaddafi has been “extremely clever” in avoiding using of telephones knowing it could instantly pinpoint his position.

In addition British Sentinel reconnaissance aircraft will use their sophisticated Astor radar to track vehicle convoys heading into the desert.

Pentagon officials have said they believe Gaddafi remains in the country, but the feeling among the rebels is that he has already left Tripoli.

With an International Criminal Court warrant out for his arrest and few allies in the world, Gaddafi’s options for exile are limited.