A group of armed men from Tripoli announced on Thursday the creation of a new military unit to protect the Libyan capital and restore order on the streets.
"We announce the creation of the council of Tripoli's revolutionaries," said the group's general secretary, Abdullah Naqir, flanked by 10 fighters carrying assault rifles.
"Our aim is to protect the revolution, help restore security, pursue Kadhafi's brigade, defend Tripoli from any agression, and support the local councils," he said.
"More than 5,500 people registered with us today," from all areas of Tripoli, Naqur said, adding that the unit is seeking endorsement from the National Transiational Council, the formal leadership of the rebel movement.
Its creation, he added, was motivated by the "chaos of recent days," including drive-by shootings at rebel-held checkpoints, which left seven wounded and two dead in 48 hours.
"There are several sleeping cells of Kadhafi and failed attempts," of attacks, he said.
The announcement was made during a press conference in the offices of the regime's former Libya TV stations.
