Libya: Middle East airports turn away Gaddafi planes...

An official at Beirut Airport in Lebanon said it had denied a request to allow a plane belonging to the Gaddafi family to land. On board was Aline Skaff, the wife of one of the dictator's sons, Hannibal Gaddafi.

A Libyan Arab Airlines aircraft carrying 14 people made an unscheduled appearance in Maltese airspace and was also refused permission to land after failing to supply full details. Al-Jazeera said it was carrying Gaddafi's daughter, Ayesha.

It was not clear whether Gaddafi's family were defecting or being sent to safety. Gaddafi's sons are said to be leading the effort to defend his regime. More...

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