Tripoli Headquarters Seized by Rebels, Gaddafi Swears Fight will Continue

The embattled leader of Libya faced increasing pressure from rebel activists to withdraw Wednesday, but Muammar Gaddafi vowed that the fight for his reign over the North African country would continue. Rebels raided Gaddafi's Tripoli compound today, taking valuable items and destroying any symbols associated with his rule. That didn't stop the leader from speaking confidently after his escape to loyalist media outlets. "I have been out a bit in Tripoli discreetly, without being seen by people, and ... I did not feel that Tripoli was in danger," Gaddafi said. Libya has faced increasing violence and instability in recent days, as rebels proudly fight against Gaddafi's administration. Pockets of fighting were still popping up across Tripoli today. According to a Reuters report, the Libyan leader's "whereabouts after leaving the compound, perhaps via a tunnel network to adjoining districts, remain unknown, although he appears to have been in Tripoli, at least until recently." The Transitional National Council (TNC) forces have captured much of the capitol. An air of fear and uncertainty appears to carry much of the populace, with violence and looting continuing. Global energy markets are closely watching the drama unfold, as Libya was a major oil producer before curtailing output this year. Over 1.5 million barrels of oil were produced in February, but had trickled to 60,000 a day in May, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). It's expected that rebels, should they eventually capture the Libyan government, could have production increased within months.