INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL NEWS – AT 9:29 P.M. ET:  Libya is in flames.  There have been reports during the day of soldiers firing on protesters, and even reports of air attacks against demonstrators.  And yet, we now know that some Libyan fighter pilots defected, flying their planes to Malta.  Libya's deputy UN ambassador denounced his own government on television, clearly putting his own life at risk.

Observers estimate that hundreds have been killed.  Britain's foreign minister speculated that Libyan leader Gaddafi might be in Venezuela, but the supreme commander denies it:

Libya's leader, Muammar Gaddafi, has dismissed reports that he had fled amid the unrest sweeping the country, calling foreign news channels "dogs."

Speaking to state TV from outside a ruined building, he asserted: "I am in Tripoli and not in Venezuela."

UK Foreign Minister William Hague had said he had seen information suggesting Col Gaddafi was on his way to Caracas.

Col Gaddafi's statement came after security forces and protesters clashed in the capital for a second night.

Witnesses say warplanes and helicopters fired on protesters in the city. To the west, sources said the army was fighting forces loyal to Col Gaddafi.

Earlier, the newly established General Committee for Defence said its forces would cleanse Libya of anti-government elements.

A statement described the protesters as "terrorist gangs made up mostly of misguided youths", who had been exploited and fed "hallucinogenic pills" by people following foreign agendas.

Gaddafi's son has promised a bloodbath unless the demonstrations stop.  They show no sign of stopping.  Many died today.  Tomorrow promises to be critical.  Perhaps the most important question:  How many members of the armed forces will defect?  Also, will Gaddafi be forced to flee, as Mubarak in Egypt was?  That may well depend on whether the security forces around him remain loyal.

February 21, 2011